Assignment for Next Wednesday

I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day break.

Just to remind you -- your homework for Wednesday is to write a short answer to these three questions:

What role does music play in your life?
What did you learn about music in the 160 class this quarter that you found useful or interesting?
What would you like to have learned more about?

Schedule of Concerts at Cal State LA

A number of you have been asking about concerts to write your reviews on (remember you have to review two). If you check the bulletin boards near the music office (one flight down from our classroom) you will find several calendars of events posted. There appears to be something going on every day and all of it is free so you have lots to chose from. Any student performance, including individual student recitals. I highly recommend Paul Wilcox who is performing tomorrow afternoon at 2.

Many of those events are listed on the department web site. Click calendar.

Howlin' Wolf - How Many More Years

Just for fun -- here's Howlin' Wolf explaining the blues and then playing "How Many More Years." How many elements of 12 bar blues form can you find?

Extra credit assignment

Those of you who would like to improve your midterm grade may take advantage of the following extra credit assignment:

Write a short essay (one paragraph) on each of the following topics:

1. In class we have been discussing several conventions composers use in creating melody. Name three of these conventions and discuss what they contribute to to successful melody.

2. What are accidentals? Name the three we have been using in class and explain how they work and why they are used.

In order to receive extra credit your assignment must:

-- be typed

-- use correct grammar and complete sentences (no bullet points)

-- demonstrate a real understanding of the concepts (hint -- if you didn't take notes, look it up).

-- be turned in on Wednesday. No late submissions will be accepted.

New homework policy

As discussed in class today, after Monday I will no longer accept late homework unless there are extenuating circumstances (my car broke down, doesn't count). If you are not going to be in class you must e mail the homework to me as a scan (please include your name and the date). Those of you who were not in class today please take note.

Speaking of homework don't forget about the assignment for Wednesday. You are to write a blues lyric using the AAB formula we learned in class today.

Help telling minor from major

For those of you who are still having a little trouble distinguishing between major and minor, go back to the audio samples I posted last month for worksheet #2. This time listen for major and minor modality.

Sample 1 -- Major
Sample 2 -- Major
Sample 3 -- Minor
Sample 4 -- Minor
Sample 5 -- Minor
Sample 6 -- Major

Midterm Review

Once again here are the areas to focus on in your review

Durational values of notes and rests
Bass and Treble clef pitch names
The conventions of composition
Rhythm vs. beat
Duple and Triple Meter
Accents and where they fall
Major vs. Minor
Chromatic, diatonic and pentatonic scales -- how many notes in each
Transposition of triads

You should also be able to define the following:

Solfege
Intervals
Staff
Accidentals
Harmony
Half Step
Whole Step
Bourdun
Ostinato

Consult your notes and check the internet if necessary. See you Wednesday!