PLN: The Garage Door

hereA very helpful website of bits and pieces, tutorials, Q&A, and it is constantly update. http://www.thegaragedoor.com/

Reflection: The single computer makes the interactive white board

Kassner's article made me rethink classroom management. A major point was made about isolation, and that is the way I feel society has become. It is so much easier to text or email someone instead, of going next door or down the hall to just tell them. On the other hand, a text or email is a written document that serves as a reminder, or necessary archive for records.

The single computer concept bridges the chalkboard with technology. In this case, stations could be used to teach a variety of subjects in one class period. For instance, a classroom of 30 nine year olds could have 12 students at the single computer (with possible use of a IWB), 6 at a music writing station, 6 at a listening station, and 6 on Orff instruments.

Band-in-a-Box is a much more sophisticated interactive version of the Jamey Aeborsold CD's. I watched students practice jazz routiments with their teacher's instruction, finding transcribing a master's solo from a recording difficult to swallow. Aeborsold transcribed many solos from the greats, and playback can be altered with the speakers, but BIAB allows much more. BIAB captured the style of many genres and even shows visually, what each instrumentalist is playing. For example, isolate the drummer, and BIAB shows what heads and metals are used on the set.

The authors of these articles not only talked about the experience of technology in the classroom, they also showed various situations of practicality. Music software for skill and knowledge showed a more performance oriented style geared towards practice, but emphasized the importance of the teacher's guidance. The IWB's talked about the location and layout of the classroom, and how to raise money. The other articles showed in detail what software and setup works best for a particular classroom setting.

Finally, classroom management, requires the knowledge of the teacher to determine what software, setup, and style is necessary to have a successful year.

PLN: classroom management

I couldn't help but read this article, and see how this ties in with technology. There were many subtle hints of technology to aid in this article.

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/music/behavior/6763.html

PLN: more information on the itneractive white board

I read the first two articles of the interactive white board, and could not understand what it was. A fellow colleague explained to me how she used it in her classroom, and it was heaven sent. I had to take the time and do a little research of my own.

http://www.education.smarttech.com/Common/education/pdf/artsineducationissue.pdf

Having problems still with the Link button (have to copy and put it in address bar).

After seeing a few pictures of these devices, I realized we have one in the classroom. Dr. Bauer even said what it was.

PLN: Pat Metheny's orchestrion

I have used a Yamaha Disklavier to send piano students over seas. The disklavier is a MIDI device that sends messages to a piano all the way down to pedal commands. One of the important components in a new device, the orchestrion, takes this MIDI concept to a higher heights.

here is the address:


I am a major fan of Pat Metheny, and loved the orchestrion when it came out. Thought I should share this article, because it talks about the physics behind MIDI and the step by step process to building such an amazing MIDI device.

Here's the blooming thing live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VymAn8QJNQ

Reflection: Watson gets us to picture MIDI with Kersten

The two articles about MIDI for orchestration, accompanying, and learning showed what is available now with technology in the classroom.  Kersten convinced me why MIDI is better than a CD.  I remember, long before my classmate's time, dancing to an LP and having it skip when we bumped it.  Or trying to jog with my CD player having it skip.  Everything, all the way down to ringtones on a phone are simple variations of binary code making life so easy.

MIDI has made it possible to cover more objectives in a class period.  Watson makes clear tools of the trade to get novices involved in creating their own style of teaching through technology.  He even mentions pitfalls like the 100 rule, and even gives those "old style" teachers a chance to continue using their LP's in the Picture  This article.  Practice files make it easier for students to learn music on their on, so less time can be spent on learning notes, and more can be spent on a well rounded National Standards curriculum.

I can say, coming from a background of music passed down, that MIDI has made teaching music much easier.  Even on the spot at competition for drums, someone can sing into a digital recording device and I can understand the words.  Remember when "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" played on the radio??  Well, maybe Dr. Bauer, but this song has so many words.  Who on earth can understand what Gordon Lightfoot is saying?  Digitally remasters started coming out, let alone Pat Metheny's orchestrion that runs on an Apple G5 (will mention this more in my PLN).

History of music premiers use to involve waiting for the score to come out at least one year later.  Many of my performer friends can play like mad and not read a note.  I enjoyed charging (still do) them $X per instrument to score their newly created music for studio musicians, and show orchestras.  The thing is, many of them have locked into using MIDI to cut out the musicians, and save time in the studio.  I'm thankful I can read, because they still need me to score the arrangements.