Music

=Content Area: Music = = =

Curriculum Standard:
Benchmark A: ** Perform a piece of music, independently or in a group, with technical accuracy and expression. 1. Sin g and/o r play, alon e an d wit h others , usin g goo d postur e an d breath contro l throughou t thei r range , a varie d repertoir e o f musi c representing divers e culture s wit h appropriat e dynami c expressio n an d temp o fo r the work being performed. 2. Play a variety of instruments, alone and with others, with increasingly complex rhythms and melodic phrases. Analyzing and Responding Benchmar k A: ** Describ e an d evaluat e a piec e o f musi c usin g develope d criteri a base d o n element s o f music and music vocabulary 1. Distinguish the use of dynamics, meter, tempo and tonality in various pieces of music. 2. Describe the principles of breathing techniques, good posture and tone production. 5. Develop criteria for evaluating quality and effectiveness of music performances and compositions. Valuing Music/Aesthetic Reflection Benchmark A: ** Reflect on and describe how music performance and settings affect audience response. 1. Practice audience etiquette in selected music settings. 2. Attend and reflect on a variety of live music performances. 5. Critique a variety of music performances
 * Creative Expression and Communication
 * Benchmark C: ** Apply appropriate criteria to support personal preferences for music choice and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of a music performance.
 * Benchmark C: **Justify one's personal preference of music choice using music vocabulary.

Technology:
Wii gaming system with guitar, bass guitar, drums, microphone, Band Hero game, and television.

Description:
The teacher will instruct students on proper breathing, posture, reading of music and instrument handling etc. for all instruments and vocals in Band Hero (vocal, drums, bass guitar, guitar). The class will learn (if they do not already know) how Band Hero works. Due to strong previous knowledge of these topics, students should master these topics in two 40 minutes class sessions.

The class will then be broken into groups of three or four. Each group will be assigned one song from Band Hero based on age/developmental appropriateness of song. The instructor will vary songs chosen by type, tempo and age of music. Each group will be given ample time to practice their song as a group with the program. When ready to perform, each group will perform for the class to critique. The group performing will be facing the TV screen for the prompts, the remaining class members will not be allowed to see the screen so their critique will not be distracted by the video. The class will complete a worksheet critiquing all group performances including their own based on breathing, stance, tempo, rhythm, and melody. Individuals will write a one page evaluation of their own performance including their own preferences and how music affects their lives.

Supporting Resource: 
In his article Leonard Annetta states society needs students to improve their skills to be able to compete in the 21st century. He argues our schools are failing our country with diminished test scores, but suggests that by adjusting teaching to new student learning styles, positive results have been shown. When students participate in educational video games in which they can choose their own avatar, include a social sense of belonging and acceptance into a group, and occur synchronously they enjoy the lesson, retain the information and test scores increase.

Annetta, L. (2008). Video Games in Education: Why They Should Be Used and How They Are Being Used. //Theory Into Practice//, //47//(3), > 229-239. http://search.ebscohost.comretrieved November 3, 2009.

In the following article the author lists several schools in the US which have incorporated the Wii into Geography, Math, Physics or Physical Education in three different states. A brief description of their program and some of their results are also listed.

(2009). Using Gaming Equipment to Teach. //Curriculum Review//, //48//(6), 10 http://search.ebscohost.comretrieved November 3, 2009.

Tried and True or New and Innovative:
Although the Wii technology has been around for a few years and most of the students have played it before, most have not thought about it in terms of a serious musician: that being proper breathing, stance, and tone etc. Since the students will be self critiqued as well as critiqued by peers and not by the system, this technology is considered new and innovative.

image from: @http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/101/1015461/band-hero-20090819033623384_640w.jpg