Workshop+Day+4

= DAY 4: Rhythm Section Arranging =

A background in music theory - note names and values, pitches and relation, instrument range, dynamics, etc. A general knowledge of computers - copying, pasting, mouse functions, etc. A basic knowledge of the Internet - performing searches. A working knowledge of Voki and Screencast-o-matic.
 * Prerequisite Knowledge: **

This lesson focuses on arranging for ensembles that include chorded instruments (piano and guitar).
 * Content: **

Describe chorded instruments and their role in an ensemble. Demonstrate arranging for chorded instruments. Demonstrate intermediate use of Finale Notepad for arranging music.
 * Objectives: ** Upon completion of this day's activities, participants will:

9:00 – 9:50 Chorded Instruments 10:00 – 11:00 Lead Sheet Construction 11:00 - 12:00 Lunch 12:00 – 12:50 Instrument Roles 1:00 – 1:45 Score Options 1:45 - 2:00 Complete critique of the day's activities
 * Schedule: **

**ACTIVITY ONE:** Many orchestras perform with an accompanist, usually on piano, in order to provide a pulse and a fixed pitch. Commercially-produced orchestra arrangements typically include a piano part for orchestras, and occasionally for band arrangements. Analyze the MIDI arrangement and search for a chorded instrument. If none exists, choose the melody line for the following activity. Above either the chorded instrument stave or the melody stave, using he information gleaned from watching lesson 7, create a chorded part, or lead sheet. Post you lead sheet arrangement in the Completed Assignments page (lastname_lead) under "Lead Sheet."


 * ACTIVITY TWO: **Some instruments have specific roles in a traditional concert setting. Experiment with altering the roles (put the saxes playing the bass line, trumpets in a support role, flutes and clarinets with the melody) and note the results. Choose only woodwind instruments and note the results. Choose all brass and note the results. Choose ONE of these options, play your arrangement during a screencast and discuss the positive and negative aspects of this instrumentation. Post your screencast with comments on the Completed Assignments page under (lastname_inst).


 * ACTIVITY THREE: **There are three types of musical score a director may use: full score (all parts on the page), condensed score (melody spelled out, support roles combined on a few staves), and lead sheet (melody line with chords above). Using the skills acquired during the previous activities, choose one type of score and create its equivalent for your MIDI arrangement. Describe the results and state WHY this was the option chosen and the advantages of this type of score. Post your comments on the blog page [|"Score One for the Home Team."]

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