Week 11- Integrated Lesson

Integrated Lesson

Music History

 Mr. Figliano

Final Music History Research Paper/ Presentation

Description of the unit and proposed classroom learning activity:

Students are to write a final research paper on their favorite musician, group, band or composer of their choice.  Along with the research paper students must give a 10- 15 minute class presentation.  This can be either someone who we discussed in class or someone you choose on your own.  The person may be living or diseased.

EXAMPLE:

-          Bach

-          Mozart

-          Beethoven

-          Copland

-          Elvis

-          The Beatles

-          Lady Gaga

 

Student learning objectives:

Students will have the ability to explore any musician or their choice.  This learning activity will be the final grade for Music History.  In class we have discussed a wide array of different musicians from Bach and the start of Baroque music up until The Beatles and the British invasion on America.  We were not able to discuss any one composer in-depth during class because of the wide variety of material.  Now the student has the opportunity to explore a detailed synopsis of their favorite musician.   

Specific curriculum objectives:

- Approximately 5 pages for the research paper

- Minimum of 5 PowerPoint slides briefly outlining the musician’s life  

- 12 point font, Times New Roman, Double Spaced

-  Bibliography page required

- Minimum of 5 brief musical examples of the musician (CD or I-POD excepts, video footage, or interviews) This means you can use concert footage or a interview from the BBC, MTV, VH1 etc…

- Minimum or 3 visual examples of the musician (paintings or pictures)

CPI # 1.3.12.B.1

Technical accuracy, musicality, and stylistic considerations vary according to genre, culture, and historical era.

CPI # 1.3.12.B.2

The ability to read and interpret music impacts musical fluency.

SUBSTANCE OF THE LESSON/ACTIVITY 

Technology to be used in this activity:

Students can use any valid source they choose for their research.  They are encouraged to use multiple different technological resources (Library, Internet, PowerPoint, DVD footage, CD and or I-Pod).  These particular technologies will be used because it allows students to explore their chosen musicians in a facet of different ways.  Students will need to become acquainted with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and audio/video technology such as CD’s, I- Pods and DVD’s.  This will enhance the lesson by presenting visual, audio and video examples.  Students will understand a greater facet of their chosen musician though seeing, hearing and listening.

Activity timeline/procedures:

Considering the large scale of this final assignment, students can begin their research process as soon as January.  The papers and presentations will be handed in and presented the final week of class.  Students should begin by researching as much as they possibly can.  Searching through books, websites (valid), video and concert footage should be the bases of the research.  Once the biographical information is completed then students can begin searching though different pictures and musical pieces to present to the class.    The biographical information that makes up the paper should include, birth, death (if applicable), living locations, spouses, education, musical works, performance information, impact on musical cultures and genera’s.  All sources must be sited and placed into a bibliography page at the end of the paper.  The presentation must include PowerPoint slides that briefly outline the musician/composters life.  They must also include 5 music excerpts of their original work.  These 5 excerpts should be major or significant pieces that revolutionized there career.  Also include a minimum of 3 visual examples of the musician (paintings or pictures).  These pictures must be iconic to the musician’s life and career.  (Example:  Beethoven portrait or The Beatles Abby Road album cover) ALL STUDENTS CAN USE ANY MATERIALS ALREADY PRESENTED IN CLASS, INCLUDING HANDOUTS OF BACH, MOZART AND BEETHOVEN. 

ASSESSMENT

Students will be assessed on their creativity and knowledge of their paper and presentation.  Since students have the ability to choose their own musician/composer they are expected to be quite knowledgeable on his or her life.  Musical examples must be chosen accordingly to their life and career.  The criteria for success are based on professionalism, historical content and knowledge of the musician’s career and life.  This will be a learning experience to students because it allows them to learn and explore information on one of there favorite musicians. 

Week 10- Sexting

     To be quite honest I was not totally surprised by the information given from the videos.  Due to today’s advances in technology more and more people seem to be losing their common sense and sense of reality, especially our youth.  The majority of pictures uploaded onto "facebook" are people partying at clubs with very little clothing on.  Today’s generation feels as though they must constantly exploit themselves.  A huge part of this is due to media.  Television shows, magazines and movies have all sold to major markets because of SEX.  So it is no surprise our youth is Sexting. 
     I was extremely disheartened to watch a mother describe what it was like to walk into a room and discover her daughter hung from the ceiling.  To blame personal choices a child has done on a teacher is inadequate to the school.  Parents play a huge role in setting the foundation for their children.  Schools can only educate students on the darker side of technology but it is the parents who need to reinforce them.  If a student is immature enough to send an explicit text message to someone they just met then that nobody else’s fault but their own and they must deal with the repercussions.  I do not believe banning cell phones or restricting internet options will solve any problems.  Students must be taught to always act professional and respectful in the online world much like they would act in a classroom.