2011.11.24 - thursday

  Today we were given the results of the quiz we did earlier this week on monday. We checked each other's results instead of just getting the score. 1e checked by getting the answer keys. We also got a chance to disscuss the results and talk about why it's that way or why it's wrong and right. I think got a pretty good score for a person who was quite confused. My score was 35 out of 40 which means it is a 7 out of 8. Then told some people about this pattern I noticed regarding the sharps and flats. it was the f c g d a e b, and mirrored into b e a d g c f.

Videos

[rondo composition practice]

In the link below, is a video of me practicing my rondo composition. My hand slipped in some parts so that caused some stuttering. I know the notes well and the counting is a bit off so I'm practicing that

http://youtu.be/FSAwO2Ou-1U

[scales and warm ups]

clearly as said on the title.

http://youtu.be/8QXTarrwo1g

[song]

This is a video of me practicing a song. The title is: シェークスピアの忘れ物～エピローグ～ (shakespeare no wasuremono ~epilogue~) performed by wakeshima kanon. The title means shakespeare's forgotten item. I am getting better by practicing

http://youtu.be/MkdOqFFe1Ug

2011.11.21 - monday

  Today we had a surprise quiz. Yes, indeed it was surprising because I completely didn't know about it. Anyway, at least we reviewed a bit before about the topics that we will need to know. Luckily i remembered the rules that apply but I'm a bit confused at some parts. At least I tried to do it, it's not like it was effortless even if i were to get a bad score, at least I tried. It was quite confusing for some of the parts with the base note that has flats and sharps but i understood after a while.... it think. Then, after that if we finished we can go to instrument class.

2011.11.17 - thursday

  Today we entered class and talked about the booklets that were supposed to be given today.
We talked a bit about our booklets and such. Then, some students did not submit their booklets probably because they forgot about it or procrastinated or just got confused about the due dates or something. Then, we reviewed some major minor chords. Then, we also learned about two new types of them called augmented and diminished chords. I understood this lesson, then we went to instrument class.

2011.11.14 - monday

            Today we did a lot but at the same time we did not do a lot. So it's like, each of us practices our music compositions one by one going to the front but everyone else also was practicing. Then, we were given feedback on our performances. Well for me i got the notes right but then i wasn't really paying attention to the counting so I guess that was my big flaw. After that we went to our respective instrument classes and during instrument class i tried out my rondo composition again.

Indonesia Pusaka Singing Assessment Practice

Here is a video where I am singing, practicing for the music assessment where we were told to sing a traditional indonesian patriotic song called indonesia pusaka.

Click this link under watch (because this video is set to private)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEoC5ZTtAGA

2011.11.10 - thursday

Today in music class, we submitted our compositions. We stuck the printed hard copy version of the composition into what you might call the assessment booklet. In that booklet we had to write down our reflections; what our songs were about and how we done it, then we also wrote about what we thought about our songs. We also needed to write down what we have learned from this lesson. Then, after that we had to submit our soft copies but too bad, mine didn't work because i downloaded the trial for the Finale 2012 program for mac and it could not be opened. This was because the finale that the teacher gave me was corrupted. So in the end I had to just submit it later on in a PDF file. Then we were told that we had to do some kind of booklet for another assessment. I  decided to just send the file to mr herry's email, that way it's more convenient since I have to go home straight tomorrow. I told mr John to pass on the message to him.

videos

http://youtu.be/1-S7bqz5a7Y
http://youtu.be/PlnoLMTMrXM
http://youtu.be/kqa_6-Rj6a0
http://youtu.be/in5oNWCMgN0
http://youtu.be/Oz52wk7L8fU

2011.11.7 - monday

Today we were given the term 2 unit planner for the 9th graders. We discussed what we were supposed to do according to the schedule this week. It says that we need to submit finale by the end of this week. Then we discussed our results regarding the singing assessment. I got an 8 out of 10 and so i guess that's okay, but i'm going to re do it just in case i can do better. I mean hey, at least I tried. Then we went to our respective instrument classes.

2011.11.3 - monday

Today was the day where we had the singing assessment. It took some time before we actually started the assessment. We did warm ups but it was kind of useless to me because mr john set the instrumental that is suited for the boy's voices it was freakishly low so i found it hard to even sing with them in the warm up. Then, we received the assessment booklet for us to fill up. I filled in half before the assessment and half afterwards. Then we had to sing one by one and find the suitable pitch to sing to. Later on we had instrument class.

2011.10.31 - monday

Today we wrote our compositions and we finalized them on the final paper that is going to be submitted. However they only had the the paper with the G clef and i needed a bass clef so oh well i just crossed the G clef symbol and replaced it with the bass clef symbol. Then we talked about using finale to finalize it. Then after that we pasted the screen grabs on the MDW and then we had to submit them later. Then in the end of the lesson we practiced indonesia pusaka.

2011.10.27 - thursday

today we reviewed minor scales. We were told that we would be having a little quiz about chords but only orally. So before that we reviewed together as a class and talked about what we have learned so far. We were questioned about major 7 chords. Then today we were told that we need to take screen grabs of pictures from our blogs to print, cut out, then paste on our MDW. Then later on the class was told we would have a singing assessment again next week but this time we need to sing an indonesian song. Today  we also showed the results of our compositions finished as a draft only though. We're going to sing indonesia pusaka.

2011.10.24 - monday

Today we continued on each of our own compositions. I made my ABACA already but only the main themes and i haven't made the variation of it and such. I need to extend it so i did it today. Then each of us who are done with all the eight bars for the first line, which is A, were told to write it on the board and then play it as a sample. We heard each others' compositions but only roughly. Mr John is absent today. Mr Herry told us about John Cake, a composer who made a song with all rests in the song which sounds like kind of a joke but in fact it's a reality and it's seriously a song.

2011.10.17 - monday

Mr John was absent today so mr herry and mr harry pitched in to help substitute. We were told to continue our rondo compositions. We were given a short explanation about the composition style so we understood better. I used the piano to help me since it's easier for me to understand it using the piano, and i can see it clearer. It was also my first instrument so i used it instead of the cello. I found activities like these quite fun because we get to use our creativity skills and that's what we did for the whole two sessions.

2011.10.13 - thrusday

We didn't have class on monday this week. Today, we were told that the students participating in the binus music fiesta events and competitions should practice. Since everyone was practicing in the theory classroom i asked permission to be excused to go to the string room because it was easier to concentrate there. I chose to play bouree 1 from the third cello suite, composed by Bach. No offense, but i have to say it really isn't one of my favorite songs, in fact I don't really like it. With the competition coming up I practiced more than usual and mr sadrakh gave inputs and comments and such.

2011.10.6 - thursday

Today we looked back again into finding sister scales and such. It gotten more difficult today because we included sharps and flats. We were tested one by one and asked. I wrote most of the relative scales on my notebook and rules so that i would not forget. Then we went to instrument class and i had to talk about the competition of the music fiesta. I got it but only roughly so I did some research myself at home later on and luckily i understood better at least, more than i did during class.

2011.10.3 - monday

Today we started learning a new topic. We looked into minor scales and were taught and revising things about them. The intervals for a minor scale is 1-1/2-1-1-1/2-1-1. We were given a brief explanation about the minor scales then we discussed about the sister scales but not that in depth. I wrote down a few major and minor relative scales. That i knew. We were told the trick about finding the sister scales. It was to count 3 notes down or 3 notes up. So far I understood the lesson.

2011.9.29 - thursday

Today we discussed the things that we've done so far as a star up of the class but only just a little bit. Then after that we were told about the things that we could be doing in the next term. We were given a little briefing about "rondo compositions". We told to do some researching as a homework as well. During class i learned that there was a pattern to the composition. I recall it being A-B-A1-C-A1. That's what we were told, and then the teachers say that we will be making one for a summative task for the next term.

2011.9.26 - monday

There wasn't much that we did today, but the major things we did were revising on the scales and doing some music theory. We revised on what we have learnt so far. Regarding the previous topics I understood the lessons. I think we only reviewed today because we are heading to the next term. After that our blogs were checked on whether our videos were uploaded already or not.

2011.9.22 - thursday

Today we were shown all our results of the music assessments and tasks that we have done. It was shown during class using the projector. I got a good score for the singing assessment which was 10 and 9. To me I think I have been doing good so far, and I should keep it up, regarding the scores, I think there is room for improvement here and there but I should at least keep up what I've been doing. Then some students were told to record themselves playing their instruments for the exhibition. I played Swan Lake because that's what I played for the assessment.

Swan Lake Cello Practice

2011.9.19 - monday

     Today we received our marks for the quiz we had last session! Well, I felt pretty happy for getting a 27 out of 30, but, I know I could have done better, and oh well, what's done is done, all I can do is try harder next time. Then, we rechecked our quiz and clarified some questions we had. I also forgot to upload the video of my practice, so I'll so that some time soon. I guess I haven't fully understood how to do that in this site yet... Some people also redid their assessments today, so they did it, and we also needed to take pictures with our instruments. After that we were released off to our instrument classes.

2011.9.15 - thursday

     It was kind of unexpected but we had a theory quiz today. Good thing is that I payed attention in class so I managed to do it. I could do the test well, but there was this one question i wasn't sure of, the one about the B flat major. I got mixed up with E flat major and B flat major and I forgot the B flat major was 2 flats and E flat major was the one with 3 flats. So sadly I wrote the E flat major instead. Well, at least I'm sure about the rest of the questions that I answered. In the end of the test, we also had to fill in a reflection about how the test was for us. That's all for today.

2011.9.12 - monday

     Today's sessions were also used for our music assessment because some of our friends were still absent last week. Everyone else performed for the second time so that the teachers can take the better mark. Then, we watched our friends play and stuff. I played the same song, swan lake. I think I stayed calmer this time because it was the second time, but seeing a camera record me and more people watching did kind of intimidate me. In my next assessment, when I play my instrument, I will try harder! I will practice and try to manage my time better too.

2011.9.8 - thursday

     On this day we had our assessment, and it was to play a classical music. I really liked many of Tchaikovsky's songs, so I decided to play one of my favorites, the swan take theme. I found the sheet music on the internet, but apparently I don't remember the site. There was one problem that I faced on that day. Since I practice with my good cello at home, I bring to school the average one. And, the good cello I practice with, some call it a "ladies size" because it is full size but it has a slim body and it is not a 7/8 either. Is is quite an old cello and when you hold the finger board, you don't really have to stretch your hands and it fits the size of my hand really well. Then, when I wanted to practice with my average cello, I couldn't because the C string somehow got loose on its' own. And there is no way I would bring the good cello because it's fragile and the school elevator in the morning is crowded and it's hard to bring around. So then I couldn't practice with the other one I will bring to school. I only practiced right before the performance itself after mr sadrakh fixed the string. Luckily, I managed well, and performed quite well. I think even after that I managed to keep a calm face.

2011.8.22 - monday

  In the beginning of the class I showed my booklet, still not binded yet though, to mr John. I did not bind it yet in case there was something I did that was not in the requirements or specifications. Thankfully when I asked him to take a look at it he said it was all right. So then, I'll bind it the next day, and then submit it on Wednesday. Today, Hashfi redid his dinging assessment I think that was the last of re-doing the singing assessments. Then, we carried on with the class. We were given a task to write down all the major 7 chords from C major all the way to C# major. After we finished we were dismissed to the instrument class and played our instruments.

2011.8.18 - thursday

  Okay, we reviewed and checked homework, then some redid their performance. Then, I feel that the most crucial part of today's learning session was at the end of the music theory class. It all started when I was wondering about the IDU between technology and arts, then I went up to mr John and asked what's big project for music. Then, Heidy joined in as she was confused as well as I was. First, ms John was a bit puzzled himself and then mr Herry came and helped us as well. After much discussion, the teachers said that we should just choose the classical song performance to put in our digital portfolio in technology. Then, another question arrived. "What song should we play? Must it be from the composer we chose? Which composer? The one from the presentation?" Then, Heidy and I were slightly confused. After that, mr Herry said it was supposed to be the "musical hero" from the classical era that we chose. Then, we wondered if it was related to the people in the powerpoint presentation we did several weeks ago, and then mr Herry finally remembered and said "oh iya, kok mereka belom ngumpulin booklet???" then, heidy and I were like, "what booklet?". Puzzled and dumbstruck, we all came to sense and were like, discussing a whole new matter. It turns out that there was supposed to be a music booklet done about your chosen composer that was supposed to be submitted weeks ago! What a shock. Well, I did remember that we were once told to make a booklet but then they didn't say anything else nor gave us any further details or information regarding the matter. So I guess everyone completely forgotten. I have decided to inform the rest of my friends about this booklet we were supposed to do. Then, the new submission date was best on Monday, but if that's not possible, we are allowed to submit it latest by Wednesday. 

2011.8.15 - monday

  Today the Mr John reviewed the things we have learned so far. We reviewed the scales with sharps and also were told to write down the scales too. We were called up to the board to write down one scale. Some were told to write down inversions or triads. I was told to write the E major triad. Then, each and every one of our blogs were checked. I was told that I needed to update my blog more because I was missing entries. I am now updating the blog. Then, we were told that the reason why need to have a music reflection blog here is because we need it for a criteria for the assessment or something like that. Then, we were given a sheet of paper about the assessments. Last of all, we were invited to join some kind of performance for the independence day. They said that we could get extra scores if we joined that but I don't think I can do it. Not because of me being shy or anything, but I can't memorize the songs and would probably end up lip syncing or something. I memorize some of the songs but the rest I need lyrics to sing. So I am doubtful whether I should join or not.

2011.7.25 - monday

  today was the first music class. we were divided into instrument groups, and we were told about what to bring and what we will do in the music curriculum this year. we did not do too much today as it was only a briefing.

2011.8.11 - thursday

  We (Heidy, Bryan, and I) were well prepared for today. We found good information and we even found the music files to insert to the slides of our presentation. For the preparation, my group mates came over to my house after school to do the project. We found the information, read it, and we put them into the slides using our own words. We took turns researching and typing. We all worked pretty well together. Sometimes we went got distracted and ended up playing, but in the end we got the work done. I guess that's what happens when the group mates are all familiar with each other, we get distracted. When it was getting late, we divided the tasks for the finishing of our presentation. On the day of our presentation things went pretty smoothly.

2011.8.8 - monday

  Today we showed our information that we researched for and discussed about the great composers in different eras. We were divided into 5 different groups, then we used our resources and looked for more information on the internet. I was grouped with Heidy and Bryan. We worked well because we all know each other already. We looked for our favorite composers in one era and also thought of the reasons why we liked that particular composer. However we lacked some information about the eras and the specific ones, so we will do some more researching. Next time, we will find better details so that we will have more to talk about.

2011.8.1 - monday

  Today in music theory we revised the flats and sharps scales. He told us about the upper and lower chords of a scale. We also revised the formula for a major scale which is 1 1 1/2 1 1 1 1/2. We were taught about upper and lower tetra chords and how they can be used to find the next scale with more flats or sharps. Then, we discussed the assessment that will be coming in a few days. We were told how to adjust the microphone so that we will not have a problem with it on the day itself just to be sure. Then we were given a chance to go up to the front and adjust the microphone to our height. Last, we were shown an example of a student from last year doing the assessment. I have started practicing so and I have memorized the lyrics. But I know I will have a problem with my confidence so I will have to learn to calm myself down since I am extremely shy at occasions like this.

2011.8.4 - thursday

  This was the day we all prepared for. It was the day of the assessment. Before we start, we were given handouts for our reflections on our performance. We needed to explain the meaning of the song we sang as well. They went in alphabetical order starting the students from 9C. The first person who performed was Heidy. Right before my turn I drank lots of water to calm myself down and to clear my throat. I have to say, the experience was nerve-wrecking especially when you know you are going next. When I got up to the front I tried to gather my courage and sing. I think my voice was trembling so I guess I could have done better. But now that I have had this experience I think that if there is a next singing assessment I won't be as much as nervous until my cheeks flush red. I think this is a good way to start off the assessments so that we will have more confidence in the other assessments.

2011.7.28 - thursday

  On this music class we discussed scales. We talked about and noted down scales with different sharps and flats. We began with one sharp, then all the way to the last. Then, we noted down scales from one flat all the way to the last. I understood the lesson about the scales but will probably need some time to memorize all of them. Then after that we talked about our music assessment that will be held on next thursday, fourth of August. We were told to bring the instrumental or karaoke version of the song that we will choose to sing. He said that we could use a USB, storage device, phone, ipad, ipod, or we could even just open youtube. I first chose to do mean by Taylor Swift but it was hard to get in my head so I eventually chose another famous song that lived through many hears, Close To You. It was sang by many artists but I just recently found out that the original was created by The Carpenters.