For the rest of the year we’ll be working to create a class album of songs.  We will work together as a class to create two of the tracks on the album, and form bands for the rest.  Along the way we’ll be learning techniques to help with reading music notation, teamwork, rehearsal, individual practice and recording.

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Part 1: Marley and We

Everyone in the class will record at least one part for a recording of “Three Little Birds by Bob Marley”.  Each band will then use some or all of the recordings to put together their own original arrangement of the song.  One band’s work will be selected to be the opening track of our class album.

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Part 2: The Art of the Cover Song

Each band will record their own version of a popular song.  Bands will agree on an arrangement, rehearse individually and as a group, then record their performances.  Each band’s work will be featured on the class album.

Choices for Band Cover Song (Part 2)

Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty
Soul Sister by Train
I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Umbrella by Rihanna
Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
Yellow – Coldplay

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Part 3: Class Collaboration Songwriting

As a class, we will write our own song to be the last track on our album.  Everyone in the class will then record at least one part for a recording of our song.  The class will then work together to arrange and edit the final recording.

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By the time we’re done we’ll have an album that you’ll want to share with all of your family and friends! Let’s get ready to rock!

Now that you have had a chance to try a few instruments, it’s time to choose one to take you to the next level!  Did you enjoy the versatility of the keyboard?  The rockstar potential of the guitar? The power of the bass? The intensity of hitting the drums?

For the remainder of the year we’ll be learning about some of the key fundamentals of music through performance on instruments of your choice, and using everything that we’ve learned so far to put together group performances that will be included in the class album at the end of the year.  You will be learning, practicing and performing in flexible groups with classmates on the same instrument, as well as in ensembles consisting of different instruments.  Be sure to choose the instrument that most excited and inspired you to create!

Here’s a guide to help in making your decision:

Keyboardists will use the MIDI keyboards and computers with Garageband Piano lessons, as well as lessons designed by Mr Larsen to work on technique.  Group performances and class lessons will be played on the class piano, or amplified MIDI keyboards.

Guitarists will use the nylon string guitars in class (or personal guitars brought in from home) with Garageband guitar lessons as well as lessons designed by Mr Larsen to work on technique.

The Ukulele is the most portable of the VMML instruments.  Players are encouraged to bring in their own uke’s to work on technique through individual video lessons, and to play during class lessons and performances.

There are only two bass guitars in the VMML room.  If many students are interested in working on the bass, They will need to bring in personal instruments from home, or practice bass technique on a guitar until it is time to record or perform.  The bass is the foundation of any modern musical group so if you choose this instrument, make sure you are ready to put in the effort to be rock solid!

Drummers will use drum pads and MIDI keyboards to practice more challenging rhythms during individual video lessons and whole class lessons.  Performances will be on the digital drum set in class, or on an amplified MIDI keyboard.

The Audio Engineer will learn the ins and outs of music technology, for example how to connect guitars, microphones, and drums into the computer to record, as well as techniques for working with MIDI and recorded music.  The engineers will be setting up and mixing the live performances, and working on a keyboard when class lessons call for it.

If you have an instrument at home that is not on this list and you would like to take the time in VMML to work on that instrument, choose “Other” from the drop down menu and explain further in the comment field.  I will let you know if you can use it by next class.

The 7th graders in 9B made VMML history with the first 3-way tie in a 40 Minute Challenge!  Since there are already three winning entries, There won’t be a teacher’s choice winner.  Congratulations go to:

Thomas Doran

Greg Monaghan

John Magliocco Jr, and Donald Ahrens

On Monday, the 8th Graders in periods 1A and 2A had a 40 minute challenge.  The projects were all so great it was really difficult for me to choose my Teacher’s Choice Winners!

1A Class Vote Winner:

Dan Feehan and Nick Blunnie

1A Teacher’s Choice Winner:

I narrowed it down to two, but could not get it down any further!

For Technique, great instrumentation and form – Sonia Jain and Sarah Hartmann

For innovation and creativity – Tino Martinez

2A Class Vote Winner:

Cody Brady

2A Teacher’s Choice Winner:

Teddy Fekula and Daniel Higgins

This week we will be finishing up practicing the Piano as a class, taking a quick quiz to see what you remember, and moving on to our study of the Guitar!  Everything you need to know for the quiz and more can be found on the Piano page (link also on the left)  Here’s when you can expect to take the quiz:

9B will take the quiz on Wednesday, Feb 1

1A, 2A, and 3A will take the quiz on Thursday, Feb 2

1B and 2B will take the quiz on Friday, Feb 3

You are encouraged to bring your own guitars to school on VMML days for the next two weeks as we begin learning about one of the most versatile instruments in modern music!  Please drop them off before school in the VMML room for storage, and pick them up after school.

From time to time, when you least expect it, you may walk in to a 40 MINUTE CHALLENGE!  If this happens, you and your classmates will get one period to create a piece of music no longer than 2 minutes.  The next time the class meets we will listen to the entries and vote on a winner!

Congratulations to the winners of the first 4o Minute Challenge!

1B Class Vote Winner: John Gilligan

1B Mr. Larsen’s Choice: Ishar Hawkins

2B Class Vote Winner: Sergio Maffettone

2B Mr. Larsen’s Choice: Bennett Parker

Attention all VMMLer’s,

Your My Loops and Jock Jams projects are now online for you to share with friends and family through streaming!  Click on the VMML Showcase link, and find your class.  All of the mp3′s that were submitted to the dropbox are available to listen to.  You are also now welcome to bring your portable devices like iPods, iPads to class to save your mp3′s to take home.

It’s crunch time!

We only have until Nov. 10 to get all of the work finished up for the quarter.  Make sure you get your My Loops or Jock Jams projects in on time.

You can find me after school every day, and before school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Make an appointment with me if you need to find another time!

7th and 8th Graders:

When you are finished with MyLoops, we are now beginning the first project for Quarter 2… Track Pack Remix!

Hi everyone, I had a great time in Greenkill on my birthday, thanks for asking! We now have exactly two weeks to finish the quarter, so 7th and 8th graders, make sure you have a grade in your folder for the Genre Quiz, Forget You Labels, and My Loops projects. We’ll dedicate one day to cleaning up your work submissions, but after that, we’ll need to make time outside of class to get your work in. It’s crunch time!