We have all heard how music is a tool for social change. It allows the composer to draw from their own personal experiences and views to invoke emotions in the listener to create dialogue and recommendations for change. This project will allow you: to offer your own experiences and views in a musical format, and to evoke emotion, understanding, and hopefully change in a problem that has risen in our country. The problem I am referring to is police brutality, and the murdering of police officers in retaliation.
This project is for you to show how you feel when asked, or think about this serious situation that is being shown currently in the media with negative light. You are free to use any wording you feel is appropriate to discuss your feelings and thought process. The only rule is that I do not want any cursing involved since this is a school project. Mr. White
Lesson Title: Music and its impact on social change.
Class: Jazz Band/Rock Band Grades 9-12, This will include a five member group consisting of guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocalist.
Learning Outcomes: You will be able to understand how composers use music and lyrics to share personal experience and world views to make listeners feel and think about situations throughout the world to invoke change to problems. You will learn that combining imagery through rhyme and repetition of lyrics enable composers to share their feelings about social issues. You will learn how the blues form has been used as a means to explore social injustices. You will be able to compare and contrast different music works and offer viable solutions to the current problem: police brutality and those performing the execution of police officers as retribution for the brutality. You will learn how to record a song and upload it to Soundcloud where others may hear your work and also comment.
Grading Rubric:
Material List: Computer with internet access
Printer
Speakers/headphones
Your instrument/Amps/Cables
Somewhere to practice and record as a group
Microphone
Microsoft Word
Finale Notepad
Audacity
Soundcloud Account
Video camera/iPad/or phone with video capture
Youtube
Learning activities:
1. Students will listen to the following examples of blues using the internet and their computers. Students will listen for the 12 bar blues where (I) = a full measure.
(I), (I), (I), (I), (IV), (IV),
(I), (I), (V7), (IV), (I), (I)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAvd3dv5jlE
Stevie Ray Vaughn sings a call and response blues set in a slow ballad form. This song has four lines per verse.
"It's flooding down in Texas,
All of the telephone lines are down,
I've been trying to call my baby,
Lord, now I can't get a single sound"
Notice how the the first two lines are sung over the I chord, and again over the IV chord. He then sings the last two lines over the V7 to IV to I chords. There is always a rhymed vowel syllable between the second line and the fourth line:
"down" and "sound." This is a standard rhyme scheme in blues music no matter the style of blues or tempo.
Now look at the following 4 examples on this page: 1, 2, 3, 5. Besides the form of the pieces, listen to the words and imagine the story involved and feelings of the composer as he/she tells you of injustice through their words.
inityweekly.com/blues-songs-to-stir-up-your-inner-activist/
In the first example B.B. King uses the same call and response to start his song. This is the chorus used as an intro. After the chorus plays, his song uses another form. He sings a fast four line rhyme scheme on the four measures of the I chord due to the funk style and tempo. He then sings the first two chorus lines from IV to I chords and the last two chorus lines over the V7 to I chord. He uses this style throughout the piece. See the lyrics example and rhyming on the webpage.
In example two, Bessie Smith also uses the call and response four line rhyme scheme in a slow, dixieland march-like style. This example is similar to the Stevie Ray Vaughn. Observe the sample lyrics on the website.
In example three, Leadbelly sings in a fast blues similar to the B.B. King form. One fast four line phrase over the I chords, and then another fast four line phrase over the IV to I to V7 to IV to I. See the lyric example on the site.
In example five, Nina Simone uses the fast rhyme scheme as B.B. King and Leadbelly, she also adds an added chorus on the V7 to I chords in each verse. See the lyric example on the site.
2. Download Finale Notepad for free at: www.finalemusic.com/products/finale-notepad/
You will need to set up an account. Follow the instructions for how to install for either Mac or PC.
Using your instrument and Finale, write a blues song using at least four verses and the blues rhyme scheme pertaining to how you feel about police violence on civilians, and violence on police officers, which is occurring in our country. It is your choice to add an intro or outro and solos. Make sure to write the correct pitches and chords in Bb concert. Use the lyric tool to write each verse. If you have questions about the program, use the help function on the make music site or check for how to videos on youtube. Your music should look like a professional choir piece with notes on the staff and words below. Use hyphens on words that resolve on other beats or measures. Your blues should be similar to one of the five examples above. It is your choice on what style and tempo the piece will be performed. Use the playback feature in Finale Notepad to hear your piece. You have five days to complete this portion. Send me your completed file to my email on this site in the contact me section.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice! You will each be responsible for teaching your song to your bandmates. You will need a place to practice with all instruments as no access to the band hall will be available. Make sure to have all instruments, chords, amps, and microphones as needed. Style, tempo, and any solo work must be practiced. You need to make sure your lyrics are also practiced in time with the feel and chord changes. You will need to have one full run through of your song, from beginning to end, with as few mistakes as possible. You will be graded on the structure of the piece and using the correct form and lyrics.
4. Download Audacity Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) at: www.audacityteam.org
Follow the instructions for downloading to Mac or PC. You will also need to download the lame file to save your music as an .mp3 format needed to upload to Soundcloud.
Follow the instructions on this video to perform this function. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlFpmxyP1Ts
5. Once you have installed the Lame patch you are ready to record your song. Open Audacity. Set the input level for your microphone at 70, and your playback level at 50. Vocalist should have a direct mic into the computer, or be close enough where the internal mic on the computer can pick them up over the background instruments. Make sure to do a sound check!! Practice recording a few times until the correct level is found. Hit the red record button and let it run a few seconds before beginning. Play through your complete song one time. If you make mistakes please go back and re-record until you get the best recording with as few mistakes as possible. Do this process for each member's song until the best five recordings are available. Go to File>export audio> type in song name, location, file type> choose MP3, bit rate> Preset, standard quality, fast speed, and joint stereo then hit save. It is up to you on the next screen to fill in the song information. Hit "ok." The MP3 file for your song should now be saved in the destination you chose.
6. Go to soundcloud.com and create a free account.
Choose the upload function and follow the instructions on how to upload your individual songs to the website. Name the title, genre "blues", and set as public. Hit save. You will then follow the link where it says your track was uploaded here. Go to the song and copy the web address. Send this link to my email and your fellow band mates. You have two weeks to practice, record, and post your songs in Soundcloud.
7. Once all songs have been uploaded to Soundcloud set a day and place where everyone can get together to discuss each member's song. I want you to record video or audio of this discussion either using a tablet, phone, or audacity. You will begin the discussion by playing each member's song. You will then talk about each song and how they make you feel. I am looking for correct musical terminology about rhythm, tempo, style, and form. I want you to compare and contrast each song. What feelings are the composer experiencing, and what feelings are you experiencing as the listener. Ask leading questions of each composer: Why did they choose the style and tempo? What background influences or experiences did they draw on to write their lyrics? Is their song pro or anti police or violence? After comparing and contrasting and finding meaning in their words, I want the group to use specific examples from the songs and come up with ways that these situations can be fixed. Offer real solutions. Send this video or audio file to me through my email. This meeting should take place one week after posting songs in Soundcloud.
8. For the final portion of this project, each member is to write a two page essay on the problems and solutions discussed at the meeting. Use correct English grammar and rules. This paper is to be double spaced, one-inch left and right margin, Times New Roman and 12 font. Use specific examples from the songs and real world solutions to the problems. Send this paper in Word format to my email address. This is due two days after the group meeting.
Music is a tool to implement change in our society. After performing this project, you too, can be a leader for change on the current situation occurring in our country. All files and papers will be made public on this site once they are received.
Have a great summer!!
This project is for you to show how you feel when asked, or think about this serious situation that is being shown currently in the media with negative light. You are free to use any wording you feel is appropriate to discuss your feelings and thought process. The only rule is that I do not want any cursing involved since this is a school project. Mr. White
Lesson Title: Music and its impact on social change.
Class: Jazz Band/Rock Band Grades 9-12, This will include a five member group consisting of guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocalist.
Learning Outcomes: You will be able to understand how composers use music and lyrics to share personal experience and world views to make listeners feel and think about situations throughout the world to invoke change to problems. You will learn that combining imagery through rhyme and repetition of lyrics enable composers to share their feelings about social issues. You will learn how the blues form has been used as a means to explore social injustices. You will be able to compare and contrast different music works and offer viable solutions to the current problem: police brutality and those performing the execution of police officers as retribution for the brutality. You will learn how to record a song and upload it to Soundcloud where others may hear your work and also comment.
Grading Rubric:
Material List: Computer with internet access
Printer
Speakers/headphones
Your instrument/Amps/Cables
Somewhere to practice and record as a group
Microphone
Microsoft Word
Finale Notepad
Audacity
Soundcloud Account
Video camera/iPad/or phone with video capture
Youtube
Learning activities:
1. Students will listen to the following examples of blues using the internet and their computers. Students will listen for the 12 bar blues where (I) = a full measure.
(I), (I), (I), (I), (IV), (IV),
(I), (I), (V7), (IV), (I), (I)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAvd3dv5jlE
Stevie Ray Vaughn sings a call and response blues set in a slow ballad form. This song has four lines per verse.
"It's flooding down in Texas,
All of the telephone lines are down,
I've been trying to call my baby,
Lord, now I can't get a single sound"
Notice how the the first two lines are sung over the I chord, and again over the IV chord. He then sings the last two lines over the V7 to IV to I chords. There is always a rhymed vowel syllable between the second line and the fourth line:
"down" and "sound." This is a standard rhyme scheme in blues music no matter the style of blues or tempo.
Now look at the following 4 examples on this page: 1, 2, 3, 5. Besides the form of the pieces, listen to the words and imagine the story involved and feelings of the composer as he/she tells you of injustice through their words.
inityweekly.com/blues-songs-to-stir-up-your-inner-activist/
In the first example B.B. King uses the same call and response to start his song. This is the chorus used as an intro. After the chorus plays, his song uses another form. He sings a fast four line rhyme scheme on the four measures of the I chord due to the funk style and tempo. He then sings the first two chorus lines from IV to I chords and the last two chorus lines over the V7 to I chord. He uses this style throughout the piece. See the lyrics example and rhyming on the webpage.
In example two, Bessie Smith also uses the call and response four line rhyme scheme in a slow, dixieland march-like style. This example is similar to the Stevie Ray Vaughn. Observe the sample lyrics on the website.
In example three, Leadbelly sings in a fast blues similar to the B.B. King form. One fast four line phrase over the I chords, and then another fast four line phrase over the IV to I to V7 to IV to I. See the lyric example on the site.
In example five, Nina Simone uses the fast rhyme scheme as B.B. King and Leadbelly, she also adds an added chorus on the V7 to I chords in each verse. See the lyric example on the site.
2. Download Finale Notepad for free at: www.finalemusic.com/products/finale-notepad/
You will need to set up an account. Follow the instructions for how to install for either Mac or PC.
Using your instrument and Finale, write a blues song using at least four verses and the blues rhyme scheme pertaining to how you feel about police violence on civilians, and violence on police officers, which is occurring in our country. It is your choice to add an intro or outro and solos. Make sure to write the correct pitches and chords in Bb concert. Use the lyric tool to write each verse. If you have questions about the program, use the help function on the make music site or check for how to videos on youtube. Your music should look like a professional choir piece with notes on the staff and words below. Use hyphens on words that resolve on other beats or measures. Your blues should be similar to one of the five examples above. It is your choice on what style and tempo the piece will be performed. Use the playback feature in Finale Notepad to hear your piece. You have five days to complete this portion. Send me your completed file to my email on this site in the contact me section.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice! You will each be responsible for teaching your song to your bandmates. You will need a place to practice with all instruments as no access to the band hall will be available. Make sure to have all instruments, chords, amps, and microphones as needed. Style, tempo, and any solo work must be practiced. You need to make sure your lyrics are also practiced in time with the feel and chord changes. You will need to have one full run through of your song, from beginning to end, with as few mistakes as possible. You will be graded on the structure of the piece and using the correct form and lyrics.
4. Download Audacity Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) at: www.audacityteam.org
Follow the instructions for downloading to Mac or PC. You will also need to download the lame file to save your music as an .mp3 format needed to upload to Soundcloud.
Follow the instructions on this video to perform this function. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlFpmxyP1Ts
5. Once you have installed the Lame patch you are ready to record your song. Open Audacity. Set the input level for your microphone at 70, and your playback level at 50. Vocalist should have a direct mic into the computer, or be close enough where the internal mic on the computer can pick them up over the background instruments. Make sure to do a sound check!! Practice recording a few times until the correct level is found. Hit the red record button and let it run a few seconds before beginning. Play through your complete song one time. If you make mistakes please go back and re-record until you get the best recording with as few mistakes as possible. Do this process for each member's song until the best five recordings are available. Go to File>export audio> type in song name, location, file type> choose MP3, bit rate> Preset, standard quality, fast speed, and joint stereo then hit save. It is up to you on the next screen to fill in the song information. Hit "ok." The MP3 file for your song should now be saved in the destination you chose.
6. Go to soundcloud.com and create a free account.
Choose the upload function and follow the instructions on how to upload your individual songs to the website. Name the title, genre "blues", and set as public. Hit save. You will then follow the link where it says your track was uploaded here. Go to the song and copy the web address. Send this link to my email and your fellow band mates. You have two weeks to practice, record, and post your songs in Soundcloud.
7. Once all songs have been uploaded to Soundcloud set a day and place where everyone can get together to discuss each member's song. I want you to record video or audio of this discussion either using a tablet, phone, or audacity. You will begin the discussion by playing each member's song. You will then talk about each song and how they make you feel. I am looking for correct musical terminology about rhythm, tempo, style, and form. I want you to compare and contrast each song. What feelings are the composer experiencing, and what feelings are you experiencing as the listener. Ask leading questions of each composer: Why did they choose the style and tempo? What background influences or experiences did they draw on to write their lyrics? Is their song pro or anti police or violence? After comparing and contrasting and finding meaning in their words, I want the group to use specific examples from the songs and come up with ways that these situations can be fixed. Offer real solutions. Send this video or audio file to me through my email. This meeting should take place one week after posting songs in Soundcloud.
8. For the final portion of this project, each member is to write a two page essay on the problems and solutions discussed at the meeting. Use correct English grammar and rules. This paper is to be double spaced, one-inch left and right margin, Times New Roman and 12 font. Use specific examples from the songs and real world solutions to the problems. Send this paper in Word format to my email address. This is due two days after the group meeting.
Music is a tool to implement change in our society. After performing this project, you too, can be a leader for change on the current situation occurring in our country. All files and papers will be made public on this site once they are received.
Have a great summer!!