PLN Week 7 "Virtual Choir"

I found this YouTube video from a twitter message.  As far as I can tell it is legit.  It claims to have 2052 performers from 58 different countries.  The possibilities this video demonstrates are truly thought provoking.

Virtual Choir

Eric Whitacre's webpage:

Eric Whitacre Home Page

PLN Week 7 "Paperless"

This is a link to an Inspired Classroom blog about going paperless.  I try very had to be 'green' in everything I do.  I have spend the last four years converting just about everything to paperless PDF files.  It took some getting used to, but is just as easy to scan a document as it is to photocopy.

Going Paperless

PLN Week 6 Extreme Flute

I found this video of a different style of flute composition and performance than the standard classical repertoire.  I think it is good for our students to hear instruments played using different techniques and influences.  This clip could also be used to start a conversation about different styles from around the world.  When the man speaks at the end of the video, his accent leads me to think he is not American.  Different parts of the world perform much differently with the same given instruments.

Funky Flute Video

Ronald Snijders is actually from the Netherlands according to his homepage.

Ronald Snijders Homepage

PLN Week 6 Cello Beatbox

I was made aware of this from a twitter message.  It is neat to see this performer mix classical playing and a more hip-hop style vocal rhythmic part.  I think string students would like this example.

Cello Beatbox

PLN Week 5 Sibelius Turorial

I found this online video and tutorial about Sibelius notation software.  I use this software and find it to be the most important music software that I use.  I know there are many different notation software systems available, but for my money Sibelius is the best.  Follow the link to the tutorial.  The information seems useful to new and current users alike.  I am always learning how to do something new with Sibelius.

Sibelius Tutorial Videos

PLN Week 5 Online Refrigerator Words

This is a simple online site that uses "magnetic words".  I got this from a twitter post I read.  Those of us that teach in an Orff classroom do this type of activity all the time.  Have students place magnets on the refrigerator.  After stringing these into a group or sentence decode the rhythm they create from the syllables.  This can be played on pitched instruments or percussion.

Refrigerator Magnets

PLN Week 4 Jazz and Poetry

Found this idea on in my reader.  Jazz and poetry for the month of April.  As a general music teacher, I like the idea of combining active listening and literature. 

Jazz and Poetry

PLN Week 4 Copyright Criminals PBS

Found this site discussing copyright and samples used in different forms of music.  Thought it was interesting.  The DVD may also be worth a look.

Copyright Criminals

PLN Week 3: Wash it!

This is an interesting article about germs and tubas (ok all instruments).  Just a reminder that clean instruments are happy instruments.  Instrument maintenance is part of being a musician.  Is sterisol or ethylene oxide on your supply list?

Germs!

PLN Week 3: Managing Tech Toys

This is a nice page about getting started teaching with technology.  None of this is earth shattering, but it is good basic advice.  I like the idea of reviewing rules and procedures.

Managing Technology Toys

PLN Week 3: Putting Together Some Previous Mentioned Software

iPad Boomwhacker Activity

First Grade and Special Needs Class

I thought I would show this activity.  I started with the iPad and Symphony Pro.  I entered the theme into the app.  Then I exported it as a MIDI file via email.  I then opened this file with Sibelius 6 and applied the Boomwhacker plug-in to change the note colors to match the Boomwhacker colors.

After Sibelius I made it a PDF and displayed it with the LCD projector to the class.  After review of the rhythms we read the notes by saying the colors in rhythm.  The Group then practiced one measure at a time and finally performed the song.

After performing the song out came the iPad and Garageband.  We added a loop of tambourine as an introduction.  Students then helped design the drum track.  And then choose the style of the bass.  we then performed, switched instruments, and performed again.  This time I recorded the performance for this blog.  It was one take and they made some mistakes, but it is first grade with special education students.  I was happy. 

This was a ten or fifteen minute lesson that had the students excited as they left for the day.  What a great  activity this was with only a little bit prep work on my part ahead of time.

Noteflight Online Music Notation Software

Overall I thought this was an interesting activity.  I am a Sibelius 6 user and found the interface straight forward but slightly bulky to work with.  The use of the keyboard to step edit notes was faster than the mouse, but I still prefer Sibelius.  I tried to import a midi file into this notation software and was not 100% happy with the results.  A piano part was condensed into one staff and I was unable to find a way to alter this setting.  I would guess that it is possible, but I was unable to locate it quickly.

This software, although not my favorite notation solution, does have some educational uses.  Being able to have a class work online at school and at home is extremely valuable.  The fact that there is no software to install is also a strong point.  Embedded examples could also be useful for student assignments, examples, or even practice.  Because of the affordability and the easy access this software offers, it could be useful to my students.

My Kent State Notation Assignment Link:

Noteflight Assignment

PLN Week 3: Notation Software for the iPad

I do actually use other computers than my iPad, but for some reason I keep finding these iPad articles.  This one is for notation software.  It seems like it can export into many formats including standard MIDI.  Screenshots are very easy and a way to quickly post or email a page of music to someone.  The price from iTunes was $12.99.  If it works like advertised, this could be handy for those of us on the go.



Symphony Pro

PLN Week 2: Remove Vocals from Recordings

I am forever being asked to remove vocals from recordings for students and teachers.  I have not decided if this is good or bad.  However, I read via twitter that the beta Audacity will do this and it is free.  I posted the link below as many of us are getting ready to enter talent show season.  I have had mixed results with software on this type of edit before, but it might work well enough.  I have not tested it yet.

Audacity Beta 1.3 Info

Words from this blog

Made with Wordle.net

PLN Week 2: History Lesson About Bands

1861-1865
BANDS IN THE CIVIL WAR
"During the Civil War, military leaders with the Union and the Confederacy relied on military musicians to entertain troops, position troops in battle, and stir them on to victory — some actually performing concerts in forward positions during the fighting."

I used to play in a Civil War reenactment band. We played period instruments in period uniforms. I have played during many "battles". Real or fictional, playing while guns are firing is not comfortable. I can't imagine that type of life. Keep this in mind the next time you think your audience is a tough crowd.

The full time line is available by following the link below. Not exactly a technology post but worth reading.

Band History

Music and Foreign Language

I found this article in my PLN.  It is about using music to help students learn and understand foreign language.  Could be an interesting activity with a foreign language department.  It never hurts to to make yourself accessible to other staff members.

Music and Foreign Language Article

Ipad Mike (microphone) and guitar input

I found this while reading a music technology twitter post.  Very soon the iPad will have a quality microphone as well as the currently available guitar input device.  This could make field recording and portable Garageband use have more quality.  The iPad could soon be considered alongside other multitrack recorders.  With the devices ability to organize sheet music by using apps like ForeScore, this could soon be considered a musicians musical toolkit.

Mike the iPad Microphone

PLN Week 2: Garageband, iPad, and Korg Nano controller

I just found this video. This is getting cooler every minute. Midi iPad! You can't get more portable.

Korg Nano iPad

Another iPad App

I caught the info on one of the twitter tweets I read. Garageband is now on the iPad. I didn't care for the virtual instruments in the computer version. They sound fine, but limited control. The iPad interface has given enormous control to these instruments by adding the ability to almost play them with music knowledge or limited knowledge. The price is only $4.99. If you have an iPad, get this app. You can't hardly get a pastry and a coffee for less. Worth every penny. My students and I have created two short "songs" in about ten minutes.

Garageband for iPad

PLN Week 1: Flipboard

For those using iPad I found a wonderful app called Flipboard. It is a reader program that will link to Google Reader, Facebook, Twitter, some news orgainzations, and a number of other online sources. It is then read like a magazine with each post as an article. For reading out PLN I found it to be easy.


Flipboard for Ipad

PLN Week 1: Free Music Software for Mac

Here is a bookmark I have found with a nice list of free Mac Music Software.  I love my Mac, but programs can get expensive.  Free legal software is always welcome.  It is possible that a few of these could be useful in a class setting.

http://arvidtp.net/guidex.php

PLN Week 1: NPR Classics For Kids

This is a podcast (mp3) about Mozart.  It is delivered in a kid friendly manner.  Worth a listen if you teach general music.  I really like how Mozart's young life is put into a context that my current students will understand.



Classics For Kids - Mozart

Classics For Kids Website