NTI Work
Hello, Cohorts! For NTI work, there are two things you'll need to accomplish and one thing I encourage you to:
1. Complete the 1920s listening assignment.
2. Complete the arts event forms.
3. A final performance of your 1920s piece. This one is optional.
More information about each is below:
1. Complete the 1920s listening assignment.
2. Complete the arts event forms.
3. A final performance of your 1920s piece. This one is optional.
More information about each is below:
Assignment 1 - 1920s listening and responses
Below, you will find eight recordings of important (and amazing) pieces of music from the 1920s. All but one were recorded in the '20s, so they are authentic examples. They represent a cross section of jazz, Broadway, and blues.
Listen to each example at least twice. For each piece of music, write a reflection about what you hear. Possible things you can discuss:
Save all your responses and give to me when we return. They can be typed or written (so long as your responses are legible).
Happy listening! I hope we are together again soon.
Listen to each example at least twice. For each piece of music, write a reflection about what you hear. Possible things you can discuss:
- Instrumentation/performance forces
- How the piece is unique among the others
- How it represents the development of music in the 1920s
- Style/genre
- Aspects of the performance itself, either vocal or instrumental. Interpretative or artistic decisions.
- Musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm
- How does the piece grow or change? What is the form?
- What, generally, do you think about the piece? What do you enjoy? Discuss the emotions or immediate reactions you have to it. Not everything needs to be technical/theoretical. Respond like a human being :)
Save all your responses and give to me when we return. They can be typed or written (so long as your responses are legible).
Happy listening! I hope we are together again soon.
"Potato Head Blues"
Louis Armstrong & His Hot Seven
1927
Louis Armstrong & His Hot Seven
1927
"Deep Moaning Blues"
Ma Rainey
1928
Ma Rainey
1928
"Makin' Whoopee!"
Eddie Cantor
1929
Eddie Cantor
1929
"Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground"
Blind Willie Johnson
1927
Blind Willie Johnson
1927
"Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man of Mine"
From the 1927 musical "Showboat" by Kern and Hammerstein
This recording is from the 1951 film version, performed (dubbed) by Annette Warren
From the 1927 musical "Showboat" by Kern and Hammerstein
This recording is from the 1951 film version, performed (dubbed) by Annette Warren
"Ain't Misbehavin'"
Fats Waller
1929
Fats Waller
1929
"Jubilee Stomp"
Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
1928
Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
1928
"Swanee"
George Gershwin
1919 (Yes, I realize 1919 is not the 1920s, but it became a hit in 1920, and it's representative of the decade that followed and of Gershwin)
George Gershwin
1919 (Yes, I realize 1919 is not the 1920s, but it became a hit in 1920, and it's representative of the decade that followed and of Gershwin)
Assignment 2 - Volunteer and Arts Event Responses
You will need to complete your arts event requirements. "But how can I attend arts events during a time of social distancing?" I'm glad I asked!
If you have remaining arts events to "attend," you can watch the many performances that artists and performing organizations have uploaded on-line, especially amid the pandemic. Mrs. Lowther has particularly uploaded several links in the Facebook group GRC Fine Arts Cohort. Anything you attended before the lockdown is good too, provided I have a response form from you. Strive for more substantial concert-like performances or presentations. A five minute YouTube video of a song you like is not something that resembles an event. Ask if you have questions about the suitability of anything.
If you have remaining arts events to "attend," you can watch the many performances that artists and performing organizations have uploaded on-line, especially amid the pandemic. Mrs. Lowther has particularly uploaded several links in the Facebook group GRC Fine Arts Cohort. Anything you attended before the lockdown is good too, provided I have a response form from you. Strive for more substantial concert-like performances or presentations. A five minute YouTube video of a song you like is not something that resembles an event. Ask if you have questions about the suitability of anything.
| NTI - Arts Event Response Form |
Finally, a performance opportunity
I would love for everyone to still create something that would have been a part of our 1920s showcase. As you're able, I encourage all of you to create a video of their performance that we can share with each other. If you're comfortable with it, we can also share your performances on social media to inspire each other and keep showing people how we're being creative over the break. Especially if you're a senior, it will be nice to have a final song of sorts from you.
A few points:
A few points:
- Many of you had settled on a 1920s piece. Some of it was still up in the air. Before running with anything, keep me informed of your plans so I know what to expect and to help organize things within our class.
- For pieces that involved a collaboration (such as a duet), there will be some coordination you will have to do with your partner(s). For instance, if an instrumental duet, one player would need to record their video first and then submit it to their partner to record their part. You are welcome to edit and assemble final videos, but if you are at a loss (or unable) to assemble a final video in a way that allows you to see all the performers, let me know, and I'll be happy to assist you.
- If you are a vocalist or someone who was working with an accompanist, you might be lucky enough to find an accompaniment on-line that matches your particular song. If you're luckier, your accompanist may be willing to record a track for you based on your needs. Again, ask me for ideas/help in this regard if you need.
- Larger recordings may need to be shared with Olson through Google Drive or a similar file sharing service like Dropbox.
- Finally, have fun! Perform in a manner that really shows you off. Want to dress up? Dress up! In a less-than-ideal set of circumstances in which we find ourselves, I want you to enjoy your work as much as possible.
Post-Script
A cohort by definition is a group. Reach out to me AND each other on a regular basis. This is more important to me than anything else you could be doing. Maintaining a sense of community is important. Even if you're just messaging me or a peer to say hello, it will brighten our day and keep us as one. Stay well!
