Thursday, March 29, 2012

Piano Slam Poem Assignment

As part of National Poetry Month and the Piano Slam poetry contest you will be submitting a typed poem on April 2 (periods 2,4,6) or April 3 (periods 1,3,5).
The poem needs to meet the following requirements:
1. 12 lines or more
2. Topic needs to relate to music (how music impacts you or makes you feel)
3. Incorporate musical terms (for example: rythm, beat, tone, percussion, sound, melody, harmony, etc.)
4. Typed (12 point font)

**Your poem does not have to rhyme or follow a specific pattern.

I have included a video from the actual Piano Slam event so you can get a better idea of what the contest is all about.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Parody Song Project

For this project I want to see how creative you can get with song lyrics.

You can work by yourself or with a group (up to 5 people).
1.Select a song
2.Write a biography of the singer or group (for example, when they were born, where they are from, how did they become a singer, the names of their albums or most famous songs, etc.)
3.Print out the original lyrics to the song
4.Rewrite the song as a parody (a funny version of the song) and print out those lyrics as well
5.You will either create a music video for the song or a Powerpoint with the words to the song with images related to the song.

You will present your songs on April 9 (Periods 2,4,6) or April 10 (Periods 1,3,5)
It will be worth 10 points (doubled)

Friday, March 9, 2012

Spring Break Reminders

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Spring Break.
Just wanted to give you some quick reminders:
1. Don't forget to complete two Reading Plus sessions by March 18th. You must get at least 70% comprehension and complete a vocabulary activity to get full credit. It will count as a grade.
2. Those interested in registering for the SAT or ACT you still have time to register for upcoming tests. (remember extra credit is being given this nine weeks and next nine weeks)
Go to www.sat.collegeboard.org/register or www.actstudent.org
The school code is 102183.
**Remember if you have free or reduced lunch you can receive a waiver number from Ms. Abesada.

As I usually do, here is a song to get you in the Spring Break mood:

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Great Gatsby Projects

I am looking forward to seeing how you apply what you read from the novel in creative ways. These projects are in lieu of a test, so I want quality work.

1. I am looking for presentations to last a minimum of five minutes.
2. There should be a visual element to your presentation (i.e. Powerpoint, poster, Prezi, dressing up)
3. Do you make connections to the actual novel?
For example, referring to quotes from the novel, summarizing ideas from the novel, etc.
4. Did everyone participate in the group?
Everyone in the group should have a responsibility. If there is someone in the group that I notice not prepared or does not know what they should be doing -- their grade will be lowered.

**There will be no extensions for the project. I have given you time in class to work on it so there will be no excuses.

Due March 5th (Periods 2,4,6) and March 6th (Periods 1,3,5)
Worth 20 pts