A Musical Exchange

Students will exchange music improvisation ideas using the computer software Garage Band for Macs and Band in a Box for PCs.

Project time frame

This VC project will take place during one class period.

How to sign up

This project is for two classes to participate in.

IP or ISDN?

IP connection

Learner Outcomes

National and State of Minnesota music standards (which are based on the national music standards).

National Standards #:

3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.

4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.

7. Evaluating music and music performances.

Methods and Activities

Both classes need to be familiar with music composition and improvisation using various music programs.

Pre conference activities would include: Students will work with Band-In-A-Box or Garage Band. They will need to know the basic features of one of the programs.

Students will need to be able to present their information to the other class in an organized manner.

Use this format:

5 min. Welcome and introductions. Each class shares their location and brief information about their school.

20 min. Presentations. Each class shares a 10-minute demonstration and presentation on their music software. Each class will use visuals to help share various things that can be done with their musical software.

5 min. Question and answer and discussion of similarities and differences between Garage Band (Mac application) and Band-in-a-Box (PC application). If time, students may enjoy asking each other questions about which improvisation style they prefer.

Post-Conference discussion would include a more in-depth disucssion on the similarities and differences between the improvisation softwares.

Materials

Computer with visual access to both sites, fairly high quality sound so that students can distinguish differences between the two software programs.

Videoconference Details.

Time: One Class period of 30-38 minutes

Responsibilities: Students will show how to create an improvised song using their software. Teacher will prepare students for presenting to another class.

This project was created as part of the Kid2Kid Videoconference Connections Online Class.