Arrival times for tomorrow's Christmas concert (Concert starts at 7:00pm, with Orch 30 playing the "pre-game show" from 6:30-7pm):
Orchestra 30 - 6:00pm
Level 1 and 2 Bands - 6:30pm
Orchestra 10 and 20 - 7:00pm
Jazz Choir - 7:00pm
Senior Choir - 7:45pm
Level 3 and 4 Bands - 8:00pm
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I'm just a poor boy, nobody loves me!
Further to the ridiculous post of a few days ago, here's another silly meme to make you laugh. If you're a Bohemian Rhapsody fan like I am, this will make you smile!
Happy Tuesday!
IP 10 music video outline
For these assignments you may work by yourself, or in groups
of up to 4 (maximum).
Assignment #1: Band poster
If you are working in groups, please note that each person must submit a band poster assignment! Using Microsoft or Pages, create a poster advertising your band's new up and coming concert. Once you have decided what genre your band will specialize in and what song you will be “performing” for the assignment, you can begin creating your promotional poster. Be sure to include the following:
1. A picture of your band
2. Your band's name (should be prominently featured on the poster)
3. A tagline to advertise your band (i.e. "A full body musical experience!", "Be prepared to ROCK!", etc. - you have my permission to be as gimmicky as you want with it)
4. The venue in which you will be performing
5. The time, date, address, etc. of the performance
6. Ticket information (price, where to buy tickets, etc.)
Assignment #2: Music video
1. Bring your camera to class, or arrange for someone in your group to bring theirs.
2. Choose a song for which you will create your own music video. Google the lyrics and have them approved by Miss Campbell for school appropriateness.
3. Check out the music video on YouTube for inspiration. If it includes questionable content, use your good judgment and turn it off. You may use these music videos as inspiration, or you may choose to do your own thing entirely.
4. Sit down with your group (or on your own, if you are a "solo artist") to plan your music video. Where will you film it? What do you want in the background? Will you wear costumes? Are you going to use actual instruments or are you going to make your own? What instruments will you play?
5. Get filming! Have fun and be creative!
6. When you have your video footage, you will begin to compile it in iMovie. See below for guidelines.
Music video iMovie guidelines:
Your presentation must include the following components:
1. A good quality recording of your song (be sure that it doesn't cut out early or have any sound interferences in it)
2. A 3-line title including: 1. The name of your song; 2. The name of your band; and 3. The “copyright” year (the year you’re filming and producing the video) in the bottom left corner of the first video clip.
3. Video filmed from at least 5 different angles and/or physical locations
4. Video filmed with at least 3 different zoom perspectives (i.e. Do not film your entire music video from one angle with your camera on a tripod, no visual interest or movement, etc.)
5. Steady, easy-to-watch videography (no Blair Witch project camera work, please!)
6. Other criteria that I may add as I see fit.
HAVE FUN! This is going to be a blast.
Assignment #1: Band poster
If you are working in groups, please note that each person must submit a band poster assignment! Using Microsoft or Pages, create a poster advertising your band's new up and coming concert. Once you have decided what genre your band will specialize in and what song you will be “performing” for the assignment, you can begin creating your promotional poster. Be sure to include the following:
1. A picture of your band
2. Your band's name (should be prominently featured on the poster)
3. A tagline to advertise your band (i.e. "A full body musical experience!", "Be prepared to ROCK!", etc. - you have my permission to be as gimmicky as you want with it)
4. The venue in which you will be performing
5. The time, date, address, etc. of the performance
6. Ticket information (price, where to buy tickets, etc.)
Assignment #2: Music video
1. Bring your camera to class, or arrange for someone in your group to bring theirs.
2. Choose a song for which you will create your own music video. Google the lyrics and have them approved by Miss Campbell for school appropriateness.
3. Check out the music video on YouTube for inspiration. If it includes questionable content, use your good judgment and turn it off. You may use these music videos as inspiration, or you may choose to do your own thing entirely.
4. Sit down with your group (or on your own, if you are a "solo artist") to plan your music video. Where will you film it? What do you want in the background? Will you wear costumes? Are you going to use actual instruments or are you going to make your own? What instruments will you play?
5. Get filming! Have fun and be creative!
6. When you have your video footage, you will begin to compile it in iMovie. See below for guidelines.
Music video iMovie guidelines:
Your presentation must include the following components:
1. A good quality recording of your song (be sure that it doesn't cut out early or have any sound interferences in it)
2. A 3-line title including: 1. The name of your song; 2. The name of your band; and 3. The “copyright” year (the year you’re filming and producing the video) in the bottom left corner of the first video clip.
3. Video filmed from at least 5 different angles and/or physical locations
4. Video filmed with at least 3 different zoom perspectives (i.e. Do not film your entire music video from one angle with your camera on a tripod, no visual interest or movement, etc.)
5. Steady, easy-to-watch videography (no Blair Witch project camera work, please!)
6. Other criteria that I may add as I see fit.
HAVE FUN! This is going to be a blast.
Typing Progress document instructions
Typing progress document instructions:
1. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.
2. Click on the Layout tab. Click "Orientation" and change your document layout to Landscape.
3. Insert a table with 6 columns and 25+ rows.
4. Label your top row with the following headings: Date, Name of Test, Length of Test, Gross WPM, Accuracy, Net WPM.
5. Save your document as "last name, typing progress"
6. Do your typing tests online at www.typingtest.com and record your progress in your table.
Your table should look like this before it is filled in (I have 28 rows in my table, but you can add or delete rows as you need):
1. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.
2. Click on the Layout tab. Click "Orientation" and change your document layout to Landscape.
3. Insert a table with 6 columns and 25+ rows.
4. Label your top row with the following headings: Date, Name of Test, Length of Test, Gross WPM, Accuracy, Net WPM.
5. Save your document as "last name, typing progress"
6. Do your typing tests online at www.typingtest.com and record your progress in your table.
Your table should look like this before it is filled in (I have 28 rows in my table, but you can add or delete rows as you need):
Monday, December 17, 2012
Computers 9O and IP 10T/10IC "movie night" dates
Computers 9O movie night (news broadcasts) - Wednesday, Period 6
IP 10T / IP 10IC movie night (music videos) - after Christmas, early in January
IP 10T / IP 10IC movie night (music videos) - after Christmas, early in January
Friday, December 14, 2012
IP 10 Music Video Due Date Change
Hi IP 10! Just a reminder that we decided in class (in both 10T and 10IC) to extend the due date for the music videos by one class period and push the "movie night" class into the new year. This allows our 3 missing students (who are on vacations to Mexico and South Africa - wow!) to take part in the movie night when they return. It will also give you one period of respite during your busy time studying for midterms and finals!
The new due dates are:
IP 10IC - Thursday Dec. 20th - P5
IP 10T - Friday Dec. 21st - P3
Please note that this includes your band poster as well! Each group member is responsible for creating their own band poster. There will be one submission per group for music video, as you have been doing this as a group project all along. I can't wait to see what you come up with! I will be burning the DVD of both class' submissions over the break so it will be ready to go for early January.
Have fun!
The new due dates are:
IP 10IC - Thursday Dec. 20th - P5
IP 10T - Friday Dec. 21st - P3
Please note that this includes your band poster as well! Each group member is responsible for creating their own band poster. There will be one submission per group for music video, as you have been doing this as a group project all along. I can't wait to see what you come up with! I will be burning the DVD of both class' submissions over the break so it will be ready to go for early January.
Have fun!
Monday, December 10, 2012
For Mrs. C
Pardon the bit of questionable language for a teacher's blog, but...... AMEN! We've got the coolest lady around in our library! Go tell her that she's awesome today!
Updates for one and all!
Time to update the blog for all classes and ensembles. Here we go!
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Computers
7C - We are just finishing our Keyboard Shortcuts unit. For the last couple weeks of class we will be working on typing skills and speed/accuracy tests.
9O - We have been having issues with the drop box so next class I would like to collect your news broadcasts on my USB so that we can have a "movie night" to see what you've come up with for your major project. Please have your exported file ready for me for next class.
IP 10T / IP 10IC - Your music videos are due on Tuesday, December 18th (that's next Tuesday). That means that, after today, you have 3 classes left to finish editing and exporting your final project. I need them handed in NO LATER than Tuesday, December 18th at 3:15pm. I will be burning a DVD using our iDVD software that we will then watch in the last period before the break. "Movie night" dates: IP 10IC - Thurs. Dec. 20th - P5 / IP 10T - Fri. Dec. 21st - P3.
Drama 10
We have been rolling with our story-telling unit for quite a while now. With our occasional breaks for "improv Fridays," we are continuing to work on characterization, vocal projection, pacing, inflection/emotion, and other aspects of our story-telling performance. Memory work is not mandatory - I think that, after hearing your "draft" performances, some of you have stories that would take more time than we have to memorize. Therefore you can use your script if necessary, but only as an occasional aid rather than a crutch that you recite from directly. I am continuing to conference with students one-on-one to go over their adjudication sheets from the initial performance.
Band
Level 1 - Concert rep: Jingle Bells (Jasleen MC), Lightly Row (MC spot available; soloists at concert), Soft Kitty (complete with "Big Bang Theory" comedy schtick)
Level 2 - Concert rep: Jolly Old St. Nick (from Essential Elements book), Up on the Housetop (from A Best in Class Christmas). MC spots still available
Level 3 - Concert rep: Jingle Bell Rock, Silver Bells (with Level 4 Band). MC spots still available. Stay tuned (no pun intended!) for more information on a potential rehearsal with Level 4 prior to the concert.
Level 4 - Concert rep: Silver Bells (with Level 3 Band), White Christmas (without a conductor!). MC spots available for both tunes. I am hoping to get a rehearsal in with Level 3 for Silver Bells before the concert.
Choir / Jazz Choir
Jazz Choir - Concert rep: Lullaby of Birdland, Fly Me to the Moon (don't forget the tag at the end!), The Twelve Days After Christmas, Feliz Navidad. MC spots available.
Senior Choir - Concert rep: Breath of Heaven, Rise Up Singing, Peace Child, The Christmas Song. MC spots available. Upcoming carolling dates: Tues. Dec. 11th - Sisters of the Presentation infirmary, Fri. Dec. 21st - Pineview.
************************************
Computers
7C - We are just finishing our Keyboard Shortcuts unit. For the last couple weeks of class we will be working on typing skills and speed/accuracy tests.
9O - We have been having issues with the drop box so next class I would like to collect your news broadcasts on my USB so that we can have a "movie night" to see what you've come up with for your major project. Please have your exported file ready for me for next class.
IP 10T / IP 10IC - Your music videos are due on Tuesday, December 18th (that's next Tuesday). That means that, after today, you have 3 classes left to finish editing and exporting your final project. I need them handed in NO LATER than Tuesday, December 18th at 3:15pm. I will be burning a DVD using our iDVD software that we will then watch in the last period before the break. "Movie night" dates: IP 10IC - Thurs. Dec. 20th - P5 / IP 10T - Fri. Dec. 21st - P3.
Drama 10
We have been rolling with our story-telling unit for quite a while now. With our occasional breaks for "improv Fridays," we are continuing to work on characterization, vocal projection, pacing, inflection/emotion, and other aspects of our story-telling performance. Memory work is not mandatory - I think that, after hearing your "draft" performances, some of you have stories that would take more time than we have to memorize. Therefore you can use your script if necessary, but only as an occasional aid rather than a crutch that you recite from directly. I am continuing to conference with students one-on-one to go over their adjudication sheets from the initial performance.
Band
Level 1 - Concert rep: Jingle Bells (Jasleen MC), Lightly Row (MC spot available; soloists at concert), Soft Kitty (complete with "Big Bang Theory" comedy schtick)
Level 2 - Concert rep: Jolly Old St. Nick (from Essential Elements book), Up on the Housetop (from A Best in Class Christmas). MC spots still available
Level 3 - Concert rep: Jingle Bell Rock, Silver Bells (with Level 4 Band). MC spots still available. Stay tuned (no pun intended!) for more information on a potential rehearsal with Level 4 prior to the concert.
Level 4 - Concert rep: Silver Bells (with Level 3 Band), White Christmas (without a conductor!). MC spots available for both tunes. I am hoping to get a rehearsal in with Level 3 for Silver Bells before the concert.
Choir / Jazz Choir
Jazz Choir - Concert rep: Lullaby of Birdland, Fly Me to the Moon (don't forget the tag at the end!), The Twelve Days After Christmas, Feliz Navidad. MC spots available.
Senior Choir - Concert rep: Breath of Heaven, Rise Up Singing, Peace Child, The Christmas Song. MC spots available. Upcoming carolling dates: Tues. Dec. 11th - Sisters of the Presentation infirmary, Fri. Dec. 21st - Pineview.
*** RIVIER CHRISTMAS CONCERT - WED. DEC. 19TH @ 7:00PM! ***
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We are also planning a "Snow Ball" (semi-formal) winter dance for this Friday, Dec. 14th. So far we have not sold enough tickets to have it go forward, but we will make the decision tomorrow as to whether it will be canceled or not. If you are planning on buying your ticket, please do it asap so we don't cancel the dance unnecessarily!
Have a great week - only 15 days until Christmas! :)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Are we..... RELATED?!
My sister sent me this picture of Avery yesterday.... that's her "bebe" with sunglasses on as well (her "bebe" looks like a little white ghost and she LOVES it and carries it everywhere). This picture reminded me of an old photo of myself when I was around her age. See the resemblance perhaps? :o)
Choir performance dates
Rivier Academy Choir Important Christmas Dates 2012
Saturday, December 1st,
10am – 4pm: Trade Show (Rivier library) – Christmas caroling from
12:00-1:00pm, students working 3-hour shifts between 10am-4pm/clean up crew
Monday, December 3rd,
evening: Rotary Christmas party @ Golf & Curling Club
Wednesday, December 5th,
Period 5: Caroling for Kin Enterprises @ 1:30pm (bus)
Thursday, December 6th,
evening: Watsonairs Carol Festival @ St. Paul’s Church CANCELED!!!
Friday, December 7th, Period 5: Caroling for the Sisters
@ 1:30pm (auditorium)
Tuesday, December 11th, Period 4: Caroling in the infirmary @ 12:30pm
Friday, December 14th,
8:00-11:00pm: “Snow Ball” dance (choir fundraiser)
Wednesday, December 19th,
7:00pm: Rivier Christmas concert
Friday, December 21st,
Period 5: Pineview Terrace Lodge @ 1:30pm (we will walk there)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Intervals roasting on an open fire
Check out this ridiculous music theory geek song. I just sang it in jazz choir and it got a bunch of laughs.... thank you for being educated and cheesy, jazz choir! I knew you'd appreciate the humour.
Here's a link to the lead sheet if you want to recreate it: http://www.swensongs.com/musictheorysong.pdf
Here's a link to the lead sheet if you want to recreate it: http://www.swensongs.com/musictheorysong.pdf
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Some things to make you smile
Here are a few things that I found online that made me smile, laugh, think, or a combination of all 3. Enjoy!
Happy Tuesday!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Historical humour
I saw this on Facebook this morning and I thought it was pretty clever. As I'm sure you know, in 1865 President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC. This summer I was able to visit Ford's Theatre and see the exact presidential box where Lincoln was sitting when he was shot point-blank range in the back of the head while watching a show on stage.
Maybe I over-explained it and killed the joke.... but anyway, I still think it's funny.
Monday, November 19, 2012
"Snow Ball" dance playlist suggestions
Comment here to tell me your favourite song suggestions for the Snow Ball dance on December 14th. Please include the title and the artist as well if you know it. Try to find a mix of fast dance songs, slow dances, and a few silly choreographed numbers (ie. Gangnam Style, the Chicken Dance, Macarena, etc.)
Saturday, November 17, 2012
"Snow Ball" dance planning
If you haven't already heard, the Senior Choir is hosting a dance on December 14th as a fundraiser for the Music Department. The theme will be "Snow Ball" and has a double meaning, as the dance will be a semi-formal "ball." This means no jeans or t-shirts, but rather dress pants and nice shirts, or dresses, heels, or anything else fancy! It should be a blast! Stay tuned to announcements regarding ticket sales.
Today I went shopping and found lots of great stuff for the dance. One of my favourite ideas is to have a photo booth with fabric backdrop and a tickle trunk of great accessories that you and your friends can wear. Picture: Miss Campbell with her SLR camera on a tripod.... snowflake backdrop.... Christmas lights, garland, reindeer antlers, Christmas ornaments, Santa hats, sparkly bows, candy canes.... awesome photo ops with great friends, hilarious memories, and fabulous yearbook photos!
Here's some of the stuff I bought today:
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| Photo booth backdrop fabric |
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| Some neat little decorations for the photo booth.... Jennie was also intrigued! |
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| Some of the great accessories for the photo booth "tickle trunk" |
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| Jennie tried on one of the reindeer antler headbands.... what a beaut! |
Saturday, November 10, 2012
You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
With their permission, Miss Campbell's Corner presents the very talented Brenna and her little sister Jordan, singing "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone", accompanied by plastic cups! Enjoy!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Factors Affecting Achievement
Today we talked in Computers 7C and Music 8(2) Theory about our new report card, and the "factors affecting achievement" section. Organization and responsibility are two components of that section of your progress report. In Computers 7 I made a note of who had opened their Keyboard Shortcut documents without me asking at the beginning of class, and did a USB check to see who had remembered to come to class prepared. In Music 8(2) theory, I did the same with your online theory assignments. If you forgot this time around, no worries. Let's try to remember for next time! I am confident that all of you are capable of receiving a 4 for responsibility if you make a conscious effort to do the work you are expected to do, including handing in completed practice charts.
On that note, practice charts for October are due by this Friday. Thank you to everyone who has already handed them in! You can bring them to me personally during band class or in the hallway, or drop them off on my desk in 7C. Thanks!
On that note, practice charts for October are due by this Friday. Thank you to everyone who has already handed them in! You can bring them to me personally during band class or in the hallway, or drop them off on my desk in 7C. Thanks!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Computers 9 News Broadcast
Due date: November 23rd. This gives you 5 classes after today to finish your filming, import the rest of your video clips into iMovie, edit your project, add music and/or sound effects, and export your project before handing it in to the drop box.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
An adventure in Level 1 Theory binders.....
This morning I got up and ate some toast, then went to sing at church. After church I thought, "I'll go to school and spend a couple hours printing, photocopying, and compiling binders for Level 1 theory." How nonchalant.... it turned out to be an 8 hour ordeal, but anyway, here's the journey in picture form!
I got to school today around 12:20pm. After about 3-4 hours of editing documents, printing, copying, hole punching, and organizing, I had a pile that looked something like this:
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| Do these colours look like marshmallow candy to anyone else? |
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| The side view of an entire year's worth of theory... x40 students... |
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| At this point I'm thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?!" |
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| 40 Level 1 Theory binders: Almost as good lookin' as the staff room couch! |
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| The aerial view of my (very) long day of work |
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| Complete with snazzy cover design! |
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| I may look happy to be done, but really I'm just smiling in excitement of finally eating something after 10 hours of no food... |
So there you have it! Level 1 Theory binders are good to go! Whew!
Now onto Level 2, 3, 4, and 5....
Now onto Level 2, 3, 4, and 5....
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Kuh-THUNK!
Check out the awesome piece we've learned in Level 4 Band - after 2 classes we've got it worked out, and almost memorized! It's called Kuh-THUNK! and it's part of a series of six short pieces called "Bucket Beats" by Chris Crockarell and Chris Brooks. It's a ton of fun to play too!
IP 10 blogging due date
Blog posts for both IP 10T and IP 10IC are both due by (technically) Saturday morning. Your last class to work on your blogs will be this Thursday, October 25th.
Your blog post archive (and activities on your blog) should include the following:
1. Customized template, fonts, colours, layouts, backgrounds, etc.
2. Countdown widget
3. Photo post and write-up
4. Video post and write-up
5. Things to do for fun on a limited budget
6. Your dream travel destination (this is the major assignment of the IP 10 blogging unit and should include the most detail)
7. Someone you admire
8. Odd jobs profile
Click here for a more detailed description of each assignment's requirements.
Your blog post archive (and activities on your blog) should include the following:
1. Customized template, fonts, colours, layouts, backgrounds, etc.
2. Countdown widget
3. Photo post and write-up
4. Video post and write-up
5. Things to do for fun on a limited budget
6. Your dream travel destination (this is the major assignment of the IP 10 blogging unit and should include the most detail)
7. Someone you admire
8. Odd jobs profile
Click here for a more detailed description of each assignment's requirements.
Tuesday morning - Oct. 23rd
Level 2 Band - Music theory games on Music Tech Teacher (linked on the side of my blog under "Useful Links"), or practice for your playing tests in the music room
Level 1 Band - same plan as Level 2 (Music Tech Teacher or practice in the music room)
IP 10IC - Our blogging unit is coming to an end. Please finish any outstanding blog posts, and/or finish your "odd jobs" profile post if you haven't already. If you need clarification, check the link on the side of my blog called "IP 10 blog post archive 2011-2012" (it has been updated even though the title is old). If you have completed everything, please do a blog post of your own choice.
Level 1 Band - same plan as Level 2 (Music Tech Teacher or practice in the music room)
IP 10IC - Our blogging unit is coming to an end. Please finish any outstanding blog posts, and/or finish your "odd jobs" profile post if you haven't already. If you need clarification, check the link on the side of my blog called "IP 10 blog post archive 2011-2012" (it has been updated even though the title is old). If you have completed everything, please do a blog post of your own choice.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Online safety questions - Computers 7C
1. What are some of the dangers of giving out personal information on the Internet? List as many as you can think of.
2. What are some of the strategies you can use to avoid being involved in cyber bullying?
3. What are some safety tips that you could give others about using Facebook?
4. Social media is a tool, and it is up to the user of that tool whether it will be used for good or evil. Give at least two examples each of social media (facebook, twitter, etc.) being used for good and evil.
5. What advice would you give to people who are becoming new users of the Internet in order to ensure that they keep themselves safe?
2. What are some of the strategies you can use to avoid being involved in cyber bullying?
3. What are some safety tips that you could give others about using Facebook?
4. Social media is a tool, and it is up to the user of that tool whether it will be used for good or evil. Give at least two examples each of social media (facebook, twitter, etc.) being used for good and evil.
5. What advice would you give to people who are becoming new users of the Internet in order to ensure that they keep themselves safe?
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Monday morning plans, Oct. 22nd
Music 7(2) - Music theory games on Music Tech Teacher (linked on the side of my blog under "Useful Links"), or practice for your playing tests in the music room
Computers 9O - News Broadcast project (filming, editing in iMovie, etc.)
IP 10T - Our blogging unit is coming to an end. Please finish any outstanding blog posts, and/or begin your "odd jobs" profile post if you haven't already. If you need clarification, check the link on the side of my blog called "IP 10 blog post archive 2011-2012" (it has been updated even though the year is old). If you have completed everything, please do a blog post of your own choice.
I will be back this afternoon if there are any problems. Have fun!
Computers 9O - News Broadcast project (filming, editing in iMovie, etc.)
IP 10T - Our blogging unit is coming to an end. Please finish any outstanding blog posts, and/or begin your "odd jobs" profile post if you haven't already. If you need clarification, check the link on the side of my blog called "IP 10 blog post archive 2011-2012" (it has been updated even though the year is old). If you have completed everything, please do a blog post of your own choice.
I will be back this afternoon if there are any problems. Have fun!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Bedtime kisses and giggles from Avery and Emily!
Check out the ladies and their daddy at bedtime last night! My sister sent me this video and it was too cute not to post. If you need a smile, push play and turn up your speakers!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Bobby the Original (IP 10 "Someone I admire" post)
Hi IP 10! Here is an example of a "Someone that I admire" post. I wrote this one in May, right after losing my grandpa to bone cancer. He was a gem, and so I felt inspired to write this blog post in the weeks following his passing. Here is it, as an example of something that you might do for your assignment (yours may not be this long, and that's ok).
*********
Those close to me know that a week and a half ago I lost one of the most amazing men in my life, my grandpa Orris Steinburg, or "Bobby" as he was referred to by my sister and me. It was only a couple posts ago that I wrote about losing my grandma Connie, and in real time it was only 7 months ago... it seems so unreal to have lost both of them in the same school year. Those of you who knew my grandpa would have known him as a gentle, kind, and witty man. An artist. A musician. A family man. The most gentle and sweet guy you've ever known. The kind of man that cried at the end of "The Little Mermaid" when King Triton sent Ariel away to be with Eric because he knew that she loved him, even though it was hard for him to let go as a father. That kind of guy. A total softie.
So today I put on my new "Happy Hat" because I was on Face Time with my mom and I thought I'd show her. I took a picture of me wearing it, then edited it online. The quote that I put on it reads "You were born an original... don't die a copy."
And then it struck me. You know who was an original his whole life? Bobby. The use of those art terms is also so fitting for someone who painted for his whole life too... right up until almost the day he died. I had done some abstract painting with him when I went to visit in February. I wanted some "Lauren and Bobby" originals to hang on the wall of my jacuzzi bathroom in my new (perpetual renovation-zone) house. He had never done it before, but at age 85 he decided to give it a shot. We bonded over our painting sessions in his studio, he gave me tips on how to blend the colours and where to put other colours to balance the whole thing out. Even though he was achy and sore with bone cancer (a diagnosis he had received only a few months prior), he still kept such a positive attitude and helped me out with my project. They now proudly hang in my still-unfinished bathroom, signed on the back in our own handwriting, "Lauren and Bobby." (We also did a little pink one for Avery and Emily, signed "Auntie Lauren and Great Bobby" - seen below.)
When I went to visit him in Hamiota again on March 30th, he asked for help putting a scanned image of a sketch he had just done into Photoshop. Now that I had gotten him on the wavelength of abstract painting, he wanted to experiment with some abstract combined with the realism of the string trio he had just drawn (he was always up for a new challenge or learning something new at any age). So I helped him open his image in Photoshop, and off he went on his new project. And, after our brief but meaningful visit, off I went, back home to Saskatchewan.
After he passed away on April 28th, I immediately took a week off of teaching and drove to Hamiota for the third time in only 2 months. When I arrived there the house was empty - Auntie Donna, mom, and Karyn had taken the twins to Brandon for the day and weren't back yet. I walked around the house, just taking it all in. In my grief, everything seemed so still and empty, despite the mess that was left from two busy 18-month-old girls and a house full of people trying to prepare for a funeral. In my wandering, naturally I walked into grandpa's studio, which he affectionately dubbed "Studi-O" for Orris. The sight that greeted me got me instantly choked up. There on his easel was the project he had started, unfinished. Mid-process. As though somehow magically he was going to come around the corner with a handful of freshly-washed brushes and get right back to work on it.
And if that, ladies and gentlemen, isn't the best example you've ever seen of someone doing something they love for their whole life, then I don't know what is. Here is a man who had cancer in every bone in his body, who was widowed twice, and despite all of his hurting he made the most of every day of his life, even right until the very end. I don't think he could have left a more poignant gift than the unfinished musician painting. This will stick with me as one of the best life lessons my grandpa ever taught me.
This man was an "original" for his whole life. He inspired others by just being himself. He did everything he could to make sure that all of the important people in his life knew that he loved them. He came to graduations, musicals, concerts, sporting events... everything. He would tell silly jokes and do funny things to make us laugh. He was never ever a "copy," just the one and only Orrie, Bobby, grandpa. He was an original in every sense of the word.
"You were born an original... don't die a copy." It strikes me now more than ever that even mere days before he died, this man was CREATING another original. If I can take one lesson from his passing, it is to be eternally grateful for all of the blessings that I have in my life, and to keep on doing what I love even in the face of adversity. If I can be half the person that Bobby was, I will be very proud. He was a great man, and the best darn original I've ever known.
*********
Those close to me know that a week and a half ago I lost one of the most amazing men in my life, my grandpa Orris Steinburg, or "Bobby" as he was referred to by my sister and me. It was only a couple posts ago that I wrote about losing my grandma Connie, and in real time it was only 7 months ago... it seems so unreal to have lost both of them in the same school year. Those of you who knew my grandpa would have known him as a gentle, kind, and witty man. An artist. A musician. A family man. The most gentle and sweet guy you've ever known. The kind of man that cried at the end of "The Little Mermaid" when King Triton sent Ariel away to be with Eric because he knew that she loved him, even though it was hard for him to let go as a father. That kind of guy. A total softie.
So today I put on my new "Happy Hat" because I was on Face Time with my mom and I thought I'd show her. I took a picture of me wearing it, then edited it online. The quote that I put on it reads "You were born an original... don't die a copy."
And then it struck me. You know who was an original his whole life? Bobby. The use of those art terms is also so fitting for someone who painted for his whole life too... right up until almost the day he died. I had done some abstract painting with him when I went to visit in February. I wanted some "Lauren and Bobby" originals to hang on the wall of my jacuzzi bathroom in my new (perpetual renovation-zone) house. He had never done it before, but at age 85 he decided to give it a shot. We bonded over our painting sessions in his studio, he gave me tips on how to blend the colours and where to put other colours to balance the whole thing out. Even though he was achy and sore with bone cancer (a diagnosis he had received only a few months prior), he still kept such a positive attitude and helped me out with my project. They now proudly hang in my still-unfinished bathroom, signed on the back in our own handwriting, "Lauren and Bobby." (We also did a little pink one for Avery and Emily, signed "Auntie Lauren and Great Bobby" - seen below.)
When I went to visit him in Hamiota again on March 30th, he asked for help putting a scanned image of a sketch he had just done into Photoshop. Now that I had gotten him on the wavelength of abstract painting, he wanted to experiment with some abstract combined with the realism of the string trio he had just drawn (he was always up for a new challenge or learning something new at any age). So I helped him open his image in Photoshop, and off he went on his new project. And, after our brief but meaningful visit, off I went, back home to Saskatchewan.
After he passed away on April 28th, I immediately took a week off of teaching and drove to Hamiota for the third time in only 2 months. When I arrived there the house was empty - Auntie Donna, mom, and Karyn had taken the twins to Brandon for the day and weren't back yet. I walked around the house, just taking it all in. In my grief, everything seemed so still and empty, despite the mess that was left from two busy 18-month-old girls and a house full of people trying to prepare for a funeral. In my wandering, naturally I walked into grandpa's studio, which he affectionately dubbed "Studi-O" for Orris. The sight that greeted me got me instantly choked up. There on his easel was the project he had started, unfinished. Mid-process. As though somehow magically he was going to come around the corner with a handful of freshly-washed brushes and get right back to work on it.
And if that, ladies and gentlemen, isn't the best example you've ever seen of someone doing something they love for their whole life, then I don't know what is. Here is a man who had cancer in every bone in his body, who was widowed twice, and despite all of his hurting he made the most of every day of his life, even right until the very end. I don't think he could have left a more poignant gift than the unfinished musician painting. This will stick with me as one of the best life lessons my grandpa ever taught me.
This man was an "original" for his whole life. He inspired others by just being himself. He did everything he could to make sure that all of the important people in his life knew that he loved them. He came to graduations, musicals, concerts, sporting events... everything. He would tell silly jokes and do funny things to make us laugh. He was never ever a "copy," just the one and only Orrie, Bobby, grandpa. He was an original in every sense of the word.
"You were born an original... don't die a copy." It strikes me now more than ever that even mere days before he died, this man was CREATING another original. If I can take one lesson from his passing, it is to be eternally grateful for all of the blessings that I have in my life, and to keep on doing what I love even in the face of adversity. If I can be half the person that Bobby was, I will be very proud. He was a great man, and the best darn original I've ever known.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Band playing test dates and materials
Level 1 Band
1. #10 - The Fab Five (with CD)
2. A note with good tone
3. Technique (tonguing - winds; rest stroke - bass; roll - percussion)
4. Any song of your choice (preferably past #10 in your book - with CD)
Dates: Tues. Oct 16th (optional - during theory), Fri. Oct. 19th (P2), Tues. Oct. 23rd (P2)
Level 2 Band
1. #44 - O Susanna (with CD)
2. #48 - High School Cadets March (with CD)
Dates: Mon. Oct. 15th (P1), Wed. Oct. 17th (Gr. 8s only - during theory), Fri. Oct. 19th (P1)
Level 3 Band
1. #3 - Thailand Lullaby (with CD)
2. #8 - Wearing of the Green (with CD)
Dates: All tests have been completed, except for one clarinet (you are aware of this - we will do your test during theory on Tues. P1) - if anyone wants to re-do a test, please see me.
Level 4 Band
(Stay tuned for score excerpts for "New York, New York" and "Newport Overture")
1. Concert Bb
2. Concert Eb
3. Concert F
4. Concert Ab
5. Concert C
You will be required to pull 2 scales out of a hat. Be prepared for any of these 5 major scales, as you won't know what your test will entail until you pull your scales. You will also have the opportunity to play the relative minor scales for each of your major scales for extra credit (natural, harmonic, melodic).
Dates: Mon. Oct. 22nd (P6), Tues. Oct. 23rd (P4 - during theory)
1. #10 - The Fab Five (with CD)
2. A note with good tone
3. Technique (tonguing - winds; rest stroke - bass; roll - percussion)
4. Any song of your choice (preferably past #10 in your book - with CD)
Dates: Tues. Oct 16th (optional - during theory), Fri. Oct. 19th (P2), Tues. Oct. 23rd (P2)
Level 2 Band
1. #44 - O Susanna (with CD)
2. #48 - High School Cadets March (with CD)
Dates: Mon. Oct. 15th (P1), Wed. Oct. 17th (Gr. 8s only - during theory), Fri. Oct. 19th (P1)
Level 3 Band
1. #3 - Thailand Lullaby (with CD)
2. #8 - Wearing of the Green (with CD)
Dates: All tests have been completed, except for one clarinet (you are aware of this - we will do your test during theory on Tues. P1) - if anyone wants to re-do a test, please see me.
Level 4 Band
(Stay tuned for score excerpts for "New York, New York" and "Newport Overture")
1. Concert Bb
2. Concert Eb
3. Concert F
4. Concert Ab
5. Concert C
You will be required to pull 2 scales out of a hat. Be prepared for any of these 5 major scales, as you won't know what your test will entail until you pull your scales. You will also have the opportunity to play the relative minor scales for each of your major scales for extra credit (natural, harmonic, melodic).
Dates: Mon. Oct. 22nd (P6), Tues. Oct. 23rd (P4 - during theory)
Halloween beans!
Welcome to Monday! I think we all need a little pick-me-up to start the week. Here's mine! My hilarious and adorable nieces, Avery and Emily, have their new Halloween costumes! Check them out:
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| Miss Avery makes a lovely flower, don't you think? |
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| Emily in her awesome new "zeeba" costume. I'm loving the hot pink accents! |
Happy Monday, everyone!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Storytelling - Drama 10
Hello actors and actresses! Here are some links that you may want to check out when searching for your story-telling material:
Grimm's Fairy Tales:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~spok/grimmtmp/
Fables, Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes:
http://www.ivyjoy.com/fables/
American Folklore Spooky Stories:
http://www.americanfolklore.net/spooky-stories.html
Your story should take approximately 3-6 minutes to tell. Test the length by timing yourself reading it in your head. Once you have that time recorded, add about 1 minute to the performance length, as you will take pauses and slow your speech down when you perform it for an audience.
This is a major project for this semester, and it will require a lot of memorization work. That being said, you will have sufficient class time to work on this project. Please make note of which story you will be telling, then print a hard copy of the text for you to start studying.
Guidelines for story selection:
1. Is it school appropriate?
2. Is it told from the perspective of a narrator rather than 1st person perspective (I, me)?
3. When I read it, does it take approximately 3-6 minutes from start to finish (approx. 1-2 pages in Microsoft Word)? If it is significantly shorter, you will need to choose another story. If it takes significantly longer than 6 minutes, you will have a lot of memorization work on your hands for the amount of time you will be given for this project, and may need to reconsider your choice.
4. Can you memorize this text?
5. Can you tell this story with an expressive voice and face? Are you interested in this story? Your audience will buy into it if you do!
Grimm's Fairy Tales:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~spok/grimmtmp/
Fables, Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes:
http://www.ivyjoy.com/fables/
American Folklore Spooky Stories:
http://www.americanfolklore.net/spooky-stories.html
Your story should take approximately 3-6 minutes to tell. Test the length by timing yourself reading it in your head. Once you have that time recorded, add about 1 minute to the performance length, as you will take pauses and slow your speech down when you perform it for an audience.
This is a major project for this semester, and it will require a lot of memorization work. That being said, you will have sufficient class time to work on this project. Please make note of which story you will be telling, then print a hard copy of the text for you to start studying.
Guidelines for story selection:
1. Is it school appropriate?
2. Is it told from the perspective of a narrator rather than 1st person perspective (I, me)?
3. When I read it, does it take approximately 3-6 minutes from start to finish (approx. 1-2 pages in Microsoft Word)? If it is significantly shorter, you will need to choose another story. If it takes significantly longer than 6 minutes, you will have a lot of memorization work on your hands for the amount of time you will be given for this project, and may need to reconsider your choice.
4. Can you memorize this text?
5. Can you tell this story with an expressive voice and face? Are you interested in this story? Your audience will buy into it if you do!
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