Personal Performance Project
Summary: What makes performance special? When have you been moved by either performing or hearing a performance of a piece of music? What makes these moments special to us?
Throughout our lives we will all experience moments that we will never forget. Many times music becomes connected with these moments and we are reminded of them for the rest our lives whenever we hear a certain song. This project aims at further exploring each of our personal connections with music.
Students will identify and choose one piece of music that has a “significant” connection to their lives. Students will write a 1 page paper describing the “significance” of the song and the connection to their lives. The song may be instrumental or have lyrics. The song may be a solo piece, duet or full ensemble performance. The song may also be chosen as a tribute for a family member, a friend, or a gift.
After the song is chosen and the personal statement has been written, students will begin to research how to learn to play the song. Resources such as youtube, google, and sheet music are all acceptable, check with Mr. Anderson if you’re having trouble. Students will be performing the songs at the Spring Concert on May 25th as well as at a Public Exhibition at Balboa Park TBA.
We will be working with the digital literacy students to document and critique our progress. Students will also be performing in class critiques for other teachers, students and administrators in preparation for the final concert in May. There will be many opportunities for revision, critique, and individual tuning.
Guidelines/Requirements:
***Students may invite a guest to perform with from outside of class. All guests must be cleared with Mr. Anderson. If students choose to perform a song that requires more than 2 players they may ask other students to help for the performance only.
TimeLine/Products
Week 1: What Music Means to Me. Personal Statement Due:___________
Week 2: Research of music and Composition/Rehearse
Week 3: Research and Composition Check Due:___________
Week 4: Student Performance Critique #1
Week 5: Composition Check Due:___________
Week 6: Artist Statement (Rough Draft) Due:___________
Week 7: Individual Rehearsal Meetings
Week 8: Student Performance Critique #2
Week 9: Artist Statement (Final Draft) Due:___________
Week 10: Fine Tuning Performances (dress rehearsals)
Week 11: Concert Performance
Week 12: Balboa Park Exhibition
Product DescriptionsWhat Music Means to Me: A written personal statement about the song you chose. Why does the song have signifigance to your life? Why did you choose the song? Your audience could be other students or family members that have never really “listened” to the song. After reading this 1 page statement, the audience will understand the meaning of the song and why it is important to you. You should be able to tell a story.
Musical Composition: This will be the “Meat and Potatoes” of your project. This handwritten or computer generated document will become “Your Music” that you will eventually perform note for note at the concert. This product will go through 3 individual revisions with Mr. Anderson and other peers to ensure quality.
Artists Statement: This will be a 1-3 page reflective statement describing the process each student experienced as well as the lessons and knowledge they gained. Think of this as an extension or conclusion to the “What Music Means to Me” statement. After reading, the audience will fully understand the meaning of the song, the importance of it in your life as well as the journey you took to arrive at the final performance.
Performances: We will perform our compositions many times in preparation for our final concert. We will have guided critiques during class to help all students improve their pieces. We will perform publicly at the Spring Concert May 25th as well as at a special student exhibition at Balboa Park. All students will perform.
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Throughout our lives we will all experience moments that we will never forget. Many times music becomes connected with these moments and we are reminded of them for the rest our lives whenever we hear a certain song. This project aims at further exploring each of our personal connections with music.
Students will identify and choose one piece of music that has a “significant” connection to their lives. Students will write a 1 page paper describing the “significance” of the song and the connection to their lives. The song may be instrumental or have lyrics. The song may be a solo piece, duet or full ensemble performance. The song may also be chosen as a tribute for a family member, a friend, or a gift.
After the song is chosen and the personal statement has been written, students will begin to research how to learn to play the song. Resources such as youtube, google, and sheet music are all acceptable, check with Mr. Anderson if you’re having trouble. Students will be performing the songs at the Spring Concert on May 25th as well as at a Public Exhibition at Balboa Park TBA.
We will be working with the digital literacy students to document and critique our progress. Students will also be performing in class critiques for other teachers, students and administrators in preparation for the final concert in May. There will be many opportunities for revision, critique, and individual tuning.
Guidelines/Requirements:
- Perform on your instrument
- Performances must be between 1.5 and 3 minutes long
- Record the Performance(s) (feedback, personal review, critique)
- Work individually or in pairs***
- Written copy/transcription of the music that is performed (hand written is ok)
- Must participate in critiques as an audience member as well as performer
***Students may invite a guest to perform with from outside of class. All guests must be cleared with Mr. Anderson. If students choose to perform a song that requires more than 2 players they may ask other students to help for the performance only.
TimeLine/Products
Week 1: What Music Means to Me. Personal Statement Due:___________
Week 2: Research of music and Composition/Rehearse
Week 3: Research and Composition Check Due:___________
Week 4: Student Performance Critique #1
Week 5: Composition Check Due:___________
Week 6: Artist Statement (Rough Draft) Due:___________
Week 7: Individual Rehearsal Meetings
Week 8: Student Performance Critique #2
Week 9: Artist Statement (Final Draft) Due:___________
Week 10: Fine Tuning Performances (dress rehearsals)
Week 11: Concert Performance
Week 12: Balboa Park Exhibition
Product DescriptionsWhat Music Means to Me: A written personal statement about the song you chose. Why does the song have signifigance to your life? Why did you choose the song? Your audience could be other students or family members that have never really “listened” to the song. After reading this 1 page statement, the audience will understand the meaning of the song and why it is important to you. You should be able to tell a story.
Musical Composition: This will be the “Meat and Potatoes” of your project. This handwritten or computer generated document will become “Your Music” that you will eventually perform note for note at the concert. This product will go through 3 individual revisions with Mr. Anderson and other peers to ensure quality.
Artists Statement: This will be a 1-3 page reflective statement describing the process each student experienced as well as the lessons and knowledge they gained. Think of this as an extension or conclusion to the “What Music Means to Me” statement. After reading, the audience will fully understand the meaning of the song, the importance of it in your life as well as the journey you took to arrive at the final performance.
Performances: We will perform our compositions many times in preparation for our final concert. We will have guided critiques during class to help all students improve their pieces. We will perform publicly at the Spring Concert May 25th as well as at a special student exhibition at Balboa Park. All students will perform.
BACK TO HOME