This blog was created to facilitate the MUS241 A and C sections at the University of Illinois, Spring 2009. Happy Blogging Ladies. And enjoy reading too.
So here's the hard question: Is THIS music performance? Or is this some fabrication of digital editing where the person is just manuplating space, time, sound, and putting visual into it?
This is Wade Johnston. He's currently my favorite YouTube musician. There are a number ways I could use his video in the classroom. He is using a Ukelele, Shaker, and Voice. The egg shaker is a common instrument that most kids enjoy playing. Therefore, this can be incorporated in a class where kids sing and play shaker to keep the beat. The ukelele is full of ideas teach kids new facts. It is a folk instrument. It has four strings. It is a cheap instrument. Therefore, some kids may be inspired to ask for one from their parents. Some students might even have them at home. The song is by Jason Mraz. This is good because a lot of kids know his music. Wade also edits videos to make a finished product. Some techinques he uses is video splicing and voice overs. Therefore, kids could even have time in the technology lab where they could work on splicing together videos for their own music videos. They could even sing harmony with themselves. In the second half of the song, the singer "scats." It seems like improvisation (though people who know the song know it's just a copy from Mraz's original). However, improvisation and jazz singing could also be incoprated. Regee , blues, and popular music could also be discussed. There are definately a number of ways you can use this video in a classroom. The only downfall is that there is a swear in the middle of the song and the topic of the song is on a mature subject.
You have taught two times so far. Your first blog will be a reflection on how it was teaching your small group your song and the five rhythms. What was easy? What was hard? How different do you think it will be when you have to teach a student instead of adults. Try to do this by Friday, February 6. I look forward to looking at your responses.
Chris
PS... Check out the comment to this too. We all have to learn how to use this somehow right? Feel free to respond to this blog to let me know you got set up correctly! Who will be the first to comment?