Eclectica Performance Project

Eclectica Performance Projects 2014- 2015

“The total person sings not just the vocal chords.” ~Esther Broner

Music has the power to make a listener feel things and experience emotions based on harmonic, melodic and rhythmic interaction in a way that can’t be experienced through sight alone. When you add the power of text to that music, it becomes even more powerful. Singing (as an art-form) is unique in this way. When you incorporate the singer’s appearance and their physical portrayal of the song, you can truly arrive at the complete picture. As a soloist, or any kind of performer, this presentation is very important. The goal of this assignment is to portray the song effectively and to create an emotional response in the audience. Human beings are capable of an extensive emotional range: happiness, sadness, jealousy, pride, fear, love, hate, and many more. As a musician, you have the advantage of harmony and accompaniment to help with your emotional range and the benefit of words which can reveal it. You must develop the skill to manifest this emotion physically and to present it to the audience in a believable way. If you do it well enough, you’ll make them feel something too. This is the power of music. This is the power of performance. And this is the skill you will work to improve this year.

“I sing like I feel.” ~Ella Fitzgerald

The main focus of Show Choir is performing. You’re already on track towards becoming a high quality performer (or you wouldn’t be in this choir). However, one of the main goals for this class is to become a better performer. We will be completing 4 projects this year (1 per quarter) which will help you achieve this goal. In these projects you will work to improve: 1. Selecting songs which will be appropriate and entertaining 2. Accepting and working with chosen and assigned literature 3. Examining song meanings and making a plan for meaningful performance 4. Executing performances in class (Small Groups at Cabaret, as well) 5. Developing criteria and evaluating the performances of others 6. Reflecting upon your rehearsals and performances

“The singer has everything within him. The notes come out from his very life. They are not materials gathered from outside.” ~Rabindranath Tagore

1st Quarter = Solo 10% of overall Grade Each person will perform a solo of their choice in class. No microphones will be used. We will hear 1 person per day from 9/2/14-10/6/14 with make-ups to follow. Each song performer will be given 5 minutes to perform and 1 to present. *See the back of this page for project details 2 nd Quarter = Duet 10% of overall Grade Miss Calhoun will assign you a partner and a song to prepare. Songs will be presented in class. 3 rd Quarter = Small Group 20% of overall Grade Miss Calhoun and Miss Katy will assign you a group and a song to prepare Songs will be presented in class and at Cabaret (non-optional) 4 th Quarter = Your Choice 10% of overall Grade You will select a song to perform in class. You can choose to do your final song in any configuration. Choose a new solo, or collaborate with your classmates to do another duet, trio or group project (8 person maximum per group). 1 st Quarter Performance Project Details This project is 100 points and is 10% of your 1st Quarter Eclectica Grade PROJECT REQUIREMENTS 1. You can choose any song from any genre (it must be school appropriate). a. Choose wisely. Ask for help if you need it. Don’t pick something you’ve performed before. The goal is to EXPAND and BUILD your skill., not to resort to a fall-back song. If you choose something that you’ve performed before, you will re-do the project. b. I recommend that you do not plan to accompany yourself. It will impede your concentration and restrict your ability to connect with the audience. c. You all have great taste, and I expect at least 2 of you to choose the same song. THIS IS OK! If someone performs a song that you were preparing. Just tell me right away. However, you may not choose to sing the same song as another person in an effort to avoid doing your own work. This is not acceptable. 2. 40 Points – Your Paper. (Due on performance date - lose 5 points for each day late.) a. You will write 1 page about your song and preparation b. 12 Points for formatting your page correctly **Formatting is important, especially in college. So, make sure that your paper is formatted correctly according to these guidelines. It’s good practice for your future, and it shows that you can follow directions. i. (4) - Typed (12 pt. font, double spaced, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins) ii. (4) - Header in the top-right-corner with your name, grade, and performance date. iii. (4) - Title (18 pt. font, justified center, underlined) c. 8 Points for typing 1 full page. Make sure it is at least 1 page. Don’t skimp out and cut it short. Your thoughts are interesting and important, and I want to hear a lot of them.  d. 20 Points for content and grammar/spelling. i. Your paper must be prose. Do not just type these questions and answer them. They are only intended to guide your writing and offer assistance in thinking about your song. REALLY think about the song. Delve into its meaning and try to ascertain a deep understanding of it. You’re capable of deep thought, so give it a real chance and do the songwriter justice. Visualize yourself performing the song. This will help you with your preparations and with your writing. ii. What is your song? Why did you pick it? What is the meaning of the song, and what can be derived from its lyrics? Why is that interesting? How will you portray this? How did you practice? What was your thought process in planning this performance? What are you hoping to show the audience? How do you hope to make them feel? iii. If I feel your paper is lacking in thought/preparation you will lose points for content. Please don’t ramble on for 1 page just to reach the requirement. iv. Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors. Please avoid run-on sentences, and be sure to use the correct spelling for homonyms (i.e. your vs. you’re) 3. 10 Points – Your Presentation a. You will offer a 1 minute presentation to the class about this selection b. Point Breakdown on Rubric Page (note cards are OK, but try not to read them verbatim) 4. 40 Points – Your Performance a. You will perform at the beginning of class on your performance day. You must be ready to perform as soon as the bell rings. If you need to warm-up first. You can arrange to warm- up during your lunch period. b. See the rubric for performance for the point break-down 5. 10 Points – Your Performance Reflection (Due the next school day – lose 1 point for each day late.) a. Following the performance, you will complete a reflection about the preparation and performance. Do this right away when it’s fresh in your mind.