About Me

Welcome to Music Class. I believe all students are musical by nature, and have tremendous potential to learn and enjoy music. Research shows that music helps students develop higher-order skills and increases their desire to learn. It is my goal to help students become more enlightened and truly alive through a balanced, comprehensive course of study.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Interdisciplinary Project Requirements



1. Personal Introduction (written). Videotape during week of March 12.
2. Les Miserable Essays
3. West Side Story Study Guide
4. Research a Musical Paper (see guidelines in post below)
5. Black History Fact (written). Oral presentation during week of March 5.
6. "Going Under" - Complete your individual Assignment
7. West Side Story - Live performance (April 1) at the Academy of Music. One page report of your experience.
8. Return your "parental signed" WAIVER and RELEASE form.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Research - Investigate a Musical

Each of you has selected a musical to view and analyze. Now you must share your analysis from your research.


Write a research paper.

I. Include a summary of the plot, setting, main characters, public performances, and awards. Was this musical based on a book, real person, real place or event? If so, who, what, where? Who is the author of the original story/book?

II. Include the bios of the composer(s), lyricist(s), and choreographer. Have they won awards for their works? Which ones? For what other works are they known?

III. Select one musical selection. What is the tempo? Who is performing? Is it a solo, duet, trio, etc.? Is it instrumental or vocal? What is going on in the story at the time your musical selection is performed? How do the lyrics, if there are any, support what is happening in the story? Why did you choose this particular selection?

IV. Conclusion - Is there a message in the story? If so, what is it? Do you agree with the message? Why, or why not? Support your answer with events in the musical.


Your paper must be written in a WORD document in the following format:

1. 1" margins left, right, top and bottom
2. 12 pt. font - Times or Times Roman
3. double-spaced
4. no bold type
5. no pictures
6. no italicized words

Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation. You may not use texting language and spellings(abbreviations).

This project is due immediately.