From
Magpies to Messiaen: Birds in Music
Project URL: www.teachersnetwork.org/teachnetusa/etobias/birds.htm
How
it works:
From Magpies to Messiaen: Birds In Music is a
program in which middle school students study the influence that birds
have had in music and create their own original music based on
imitations and actual electronic samples of birdsong. They learn how
composers make use of the everyday material around them and they gain
a unique perspective on music. They learn various compositional
techniques as well as fundamental music concepts.
Interval
relationships and music notation are important components of this
program, and one of the most important aspects of musicianship, aural
skills, is stressed as students listen to detailed music excerpts as
well as actual bird calls. Students also practice transcribing
(writing out in music) actual recordings of birdsong that they choose
from the Internet. The students use music theory software programs as
well as electronic keyboards to develop their skills, and the Internet
becomes a important resource when they research relevant composers. As
students begin to compose their own music, they also use computers,
MIDI controllers, and sound-editing and compositional software.
Standards addressed:
Students actively engage in the composition and performance of
music; become knowledgeable about and make use of current materials
and resources such as MIDI controllers and music software; and respond
critically to various pieces of music.
Materials used:
In addition to computers with Internet access,
students use MIDI
controllers (hardware used to perform music electronically that can
take the form of anything from electronic keyboards to percussion
pads) and software such as Finalenotepad (a free notation program) and
Goldwave (a shareware sound-editing program). The Internet provides
many resources for students to use throughout the program. Musiced.net
is an organization on the Internet that allows students to store any
electronic files in online portfolios.
The
students:
The seventh grade students who participate in this program have
a prior basic knowledge of music and are of widely varying ability
levels. They work collaboratively in groups, which allows for peer
assistance. The program can easily be adapted for students of any
grade from sixth to twelfth grade by adjusting the level of detail and
complexity.
Overall value:
The students learn a variety of compositional techniques and
use material from their surroundings to create expressive works of
music. Using current technology in music such as software programs,
the Internet, and MIDI controllers, they gain a sense of what it is
like to compose in the 21st century and broaden their horizons by
hearing a wide variety of music that they otherwise would not have
known about. This program can easily be expanded into a large-scale
interdisciplinary program by including the math and physics behind the
sound as well as the science behind the birdsong.
Tips:
Spend time researching different composers that have used birdsong
in their compositions and the recordings currently available. The
Internet is an excellent resource! Encourage the students to make use
of the free and shareware versions of software at home if they have
access to a computer and the Internet.
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About the teacher:
Evan Tobias has been teaching music in Willow Grove Middle School
for three years. He is a recipient of two Impact II Developer grants, has
been a participant in several presentations at MENC national
conferences, and was a panelist in the presentation "Using
On-Line Tools for Teaching and Reflection in Music
Classes" at the 2002 MENC National Biennial In-Service
Conference. Evan is currently working on his master's degree in Music
Education during summers at Northwestern University.
E-mail:
etobias@musiced.net
Subject
Areas:
Music
Technology
Grade
Levels:
6-8
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