The Big Sing

Could students of Volante and Chorus Line please pay the $20 to the office for this trip. There is a bus now going from outside HVHS at 8:30am June 5th, at no extra cost. Could parents please be at school to take you home by 10pm.

Tickets for the evening Gala Concert are available from Ticketek for $14/$7.

Peter Sharman

Peter Sharman was born in Wellington, the eldest of four children of a well-known music teacher and a scientist. They were determined to create a string quartet and Peter was assigned the viola. Peter studied viola at Victoria University of Wellington but, after unsuccessfully attempting to realise the major horn solos on that instrument, decided to change to the french horn in second year. Peter joined the NZSO in 1984, making him currently the longest serving member of the brass section.

The highlight of Peter's NZSO career to date was performing in Seville in 1992. Peter's interests are wide ranging and include his two children, the outdoors, the sciences, curries, listening to music, and any combination of the above. One of the additional strings to Peter's bow is as a computer designer and in that capacity Peter has contributed to the development of orchestral software in use by the NZSO and a number of other orchestras.
http://www.impresario.cc/

Week 4, Term 2

accelerando (accel.) gradually getting quicker
adagio slow
allegretto fairly quick (but not as quick as allegro)
allegro quick (literally 'cheerful')
andante at a medium ('walking') speed

Thanks Chorus Line

To all of you who performed today, congratulations and thanks.

Next Thursday we are working from lunchtime until 4pm. Let me know if you have any problems.

For those of you wanting a CD of todays recording bring me in a CD-R to record it on, not a rewritable or anything. Thanks to Leon, Andrew and Mr Rutherford for doing the recording.

Using compositional devices

Compose two original bars of music. Then use two compositional devices, from those we studied today, to extend your piece. Add 1 - 2 bars to complete the composition, a minimum of 8 bars required.

Due next Thursday.

Trombones Rule

Chorus Line rehearsal

Don't forget there is an extra practise this week, Wednesday lunchtime in M2, ready for singing in assembly on Thursday. Make sure you memorise all the words, particularly to Hine e Hine.

Thanks

Sound Unit Standards

I am going to get some workbooks for those doing the Friday afternoon course. There are 6 standards possible to sit, and they need to be done progressively in order to meet prerequisites.

The workbooks for each of these papers will cost $25 each, although I do hope I will be able to do it for less. Please let me know if you are interested in doing credits in sound technology. For those of you in Year 12 you could space these credits out over the next two years.

The standards are:
Level 1
12822 2 credits Explain rudimentary principles of sound and electronics in relation to performing arts technology

Level 2
12823 2 credits Set up and disassemble small public address and recording systems for a performing arts situation
23729 4 Credits Demonstrate knowledge of, and operate digital music communication systems for a music performance

Level 3
12824 2 credits Describe the operation of public address and recording systems for a performing arts situation
12825 2 credits Operate and maintain a public address system for a performing arts situation
12826 2 credits Operate a recording system for a performing arts situation

Week 2/3 homework

You are to write a two bar, 4 part melody, such as we are doing in class currently. Name all the chords you use, using Roman Numerals. Put in at least two passing notes. Do NOT use C major.

The Big Sing

The regional choral festival is coming up. Both Volante and HVHS Chorus Line are performing on Thursday 5th June, and parents will be welcome to attend the Gala Concert in the evening.

The cost will $20 per student plus travel costs to and from the Wellington Town Hall. May I suggest you catch the bus, as it will take you all the way to the Cuba St stop. More information will be coming later.

Friday classes

If learning how to use the sound studio and portable PA systems is something that interests you then please come and see me. There will be spots available for 5 students next term.

For those who have started in the Friday after school class, please don't forget to be at in M2 on Friday. If you can please bring me a blank DVD for some guff.

Cheers

Harmony - Roman Numerals

Make sure you are complete the last exercise given in class for the following day. It is fantastic that you guys are getting a handle on this. If you are still having problems please bring it up in class after the aural exercises.

Penny Hooson

Congratulations Penny! Over the weekend Penny came 3rd in the Under 19 solo section of the Wellington Regional Brass Band Competition on her cornet.

New Drum Teacher

We have a new teacher, Rene Corbett. Rene has a Bachelor of Music from the Massey University and a diploma from the Nelson Rock School of Music.

If you want to see/hear one of his bands then click on the title of this blog post.

Even if you are not learning drum kit or percussion you can join the percussion group Concussion that rehearses in M2 on Monday lunch time. See you there.

Welcome to HVHS Rene.

New Bass Teacher

I would like to welcome a new bass teacher to HVHS. Steven Moodie starts next week, replacing Alistair Isdale who has left to work full time for the Airforce Band.

Steve is a graduate from Massey University with a Bachelor of Music degree. He tutors in many styles of music and can also teach Jazz Double Bass. He plays in a lot of bands around town and if you click on the title of this blog entry you will be able to check one of them out!

Welcome Steve.

Practical Assessments

We are heading rapidly towards your first major practical assessment date, in Week 6 this term. You need to be spending regular time working on your practical major, performance or composition. By regular I mean every day!

While I am expecting two performances from the Solo Performance majors, I am also expecting two completed compositions from the rest of you. So far I have not been enjoying enough of your company, so please come in and use the gear in the department after school to ensure that you do not put yourself under too much pressure later on.

Performance students - get me copies of your music.

Make sure you are up to speed

Please revise your intervals and key signatures. We are moving on with our theory so it is important that you make sure you have completed any of the relevant sections in your theory book so you don't fall behind.

Let me know if you are still having any problems.