Discussion Topic #11 - Shared Responsibility

This week's question might be a challenge...

What is "shared responsibility" and how does it apply to our music program? How does leadership of the program fit into the shared responsibilities each member (student and teacher) of our program?

Think hard. Re-read your submission.

Discussion Topic #10

Welcome to a new year on the blog. The comments from last spring were fantastic, insightful, and meaningful. Your task this week is to answer the question below WITHOUT seeing other responses.

Students are required to submit their response no later than Friday, October 9th at 4pm. Be honest, use professional language and grammar, and take the question seriously.

The Question....

Why are you taking band this year?

Discussion Topic #9 - Our Program

Two special questions for you this week...

What is it that makes the Van Tech Band Program unique? different? special?

How are students involved in the leadership of the program?

Take time to think about these and write something really meaningful! Off to Whistler now with the Beginners and Intermediates!

mr

Discussion Topic #8 - The Value of Performance

Happy Easter to all. I hope you've had a nice break this weekend. The countdown is on for both tours and I'm really looking forward to these experiences with all of you!

To keep all students involved in this week's discussion topic, I'd like to ask about the value of PERFORMANCE. In your response this week, please comment about the different experiences, feelings, and benefits of performance. It is very important to consider different performance venues - school concerts, tour, feeder school concerts, and festivals.

Have a great week!

mr

Discussion Topic #7

If you attended the concert this past Monday morning, given by the Ad Mare Wind Quintet, please write a 50-75 word review answering these questions...

1. What did you enjoy about the performance?

2. How will this experience influence your future music-making?

I've posted this one late, so your responses will be due by Sunday night at 10pm.

mr

Discussion Topic #6: Critical Listening

Using the two recordings of Triton Fanfare on the VT Online website (http://tech.vsb.bc.ca/users/mreid/files), compare the two recordings and identify which one is BETTER and WHAT made it better.

Be sure to pick ONE, not "both for different reasons". Fence-sitting is a sign of mediocrity...take a look at the sign above the door in Rm 511 if you're curious about mediocrity.

Have fun...this is due by 10pm this Friday, as usual.

mr

Discussion Topic #5 - The Creative Process

This is a week for some really deep thinking...please remind your friends about their blog posts!

First question: Which of the following is the important role played in music's creative process and why?

a) composer

b) arranger

c) conductor

d) performing musician

Second question: Is playing live music "recreation" or "re-creation"? (think about defining these words before you write this answer)

Have fun with this and feel free to ask questions before you submit your entry.

-reid

Discussion Topic #4 - Conducting & New Repertoire

As we head into week four of the new "blog" era for the band program, I am so pleased with the quality of your responses. Reading the entry from "Anners N" last week made me think about my definition of those same responsibilities.

I will ask you to please remind your peers to get online and submit their entries. We're looking a little slimmer in responses this week.

So, for Week #4...

You are all well aware of what the important parts of the approach to a new piece of music. For this week's entry there are two parts.

First: Explain what you do (or should do!) when first handed a new piece of music.

Second: Tell me what you think a conductor might have to do when approaching a new piece of music.

(Bonus "points" if you connect these two items into one process.)

I hope your exams went well and I look forward to the countdown to San Francisco/Whistler! Today marks 75 days to SFO!

mr :)

Discussion Topic #3 - Roles and Responsibilities

Mr. Reid and Mr. Mathewson were discussing the role of the conductor this past week. It is interesting when a performing musician moves to the podium to become a conductor. There is a very different set of responsibilities for the performing musician and for the conductor. This week's discussion topic is likely to expose some interesting perspectives.

What do you believe is the role/responsibility of the performing musician? What do you believe is the role/responsibility of the conductor?

**Last week's posts were BEST when they included comments about other students' thoughts and ideas.**

Good luck on your exams!

-Reid

Discussion Topic #2 - Challenges

Thank you to the 75 students who posted on last week's discussion topic. The videos and resources were excellent. Congratulations to the student who shared NON-video web links! That showed creativity.

For this, our second discussion, we're looking for what you find challenging about playing and performing music in a wind band.

These answers could include challenges you encounter while practicing (at home) or rehearsing (at school) or in performance.

Once again, responses will be expected prior to January 23rd at 10pm (local time).

Discussion Topic #1 - What you can find on the "Interweb"

Welcome to our very first VT Band Online Discussion! Each week I will post a question for the students of the program to discuss and share. Obviously, it is important that your responses are well-written and acceptable to be publicly shared. Your ideas will not be evaluated, but you will be graded based on you ability to share ideas using thoughtful and musical language.

So, our first topic...

There are a number of you who have shared different suggestions for music, websites, youtube videos, or mp3s that you think I should see. Share a link for your fellow musicians to look at over the coming week. You are welcome to comment on the suggestions of your peers and let us know what you found useful or exciting also.

Participation is expected prior to 10pm on January 16th.

mr

SENIOR TOUR UPDATE

The parent meeting for the San Francisco tour participants will be held on January 28, 2008. The meeting will be held in the Band Room and will go from 6:15-7:00pm. If parents are unavailable to attend, it would be wise for the student to attend.