Chiles' Chords

Orchestra Blog

The orchestra blog has now moved to awtreyorchestra
This is because general music needs a blog also and it will get confusing with two totally different classes. Also I have created an Orchestra email address: awtreyorchestra@gmail.com and calendar.
Once I receive all parent/ student email addresses you will be able to access and recieve notice of upcoming orchestra events.

If there is any other means of communication please let me know.

Thanks
MC

Music for festival

Download 211_contrasts_in_e_minor__1. Part 1.m4a

Download 212_contrasts_in_e_minor__2. Part 2.m4a

Download 04_furioso.m4a

Download 134_summer_stomp.m4a

Download 05_m_to_the_third_power.m4a

Document

Download circle_of_fifths.doc

General Music

6th Grade General Music

Currently we are working on the fundamentals of music. Next week we will create a rhythm band using boomwhackers (we will be outside so dress warmly) and chairs.  We will also watch STOMP! so that you can get ideas for your rhythm band.   You will have to compose the rhythm for your rhythm band so make sure that you 100%, aka completely, understand rhythm.

7th Grade General Music

We will continue working on your Silent Movies.....Next week we will watch a silent movie and learn about the history of silent movies.  We will also record your silent movies and use iMovie to create the actual movie.

8th Grade General Music

You guys will continue working on your songs and promotions but we will be in the lab for the entire week unless you are using instruments to produce your song.  Next Thursday your business cards, flyers, and the first two minutes of your song will be due.  Make sure that you are working digligently to complete this project.

General Music

Welcome to the new home of MC's General Music classes.  All students can check their assignment due dates and details.  Students may also leave comments with questions for Ms. Chiles. 

6th Grade General Music Projects:

• Create your own original music composition project.  You must create an orginal melody and using a music notation software write the notes on staff paper. (This step will be done during class although students may download the software and work on it at home.)  This composition must be at least 18 measures in length and if students work together then the composition must be 36 measures.  Students may add more measures or lyrics for extra credit.
• Learn a song from the radio on the keyboard.  Students must choose at least one verse and chorus from any song on the radio and learn how to play the song on the keyboard.

7th Grade General Music:

• All students will be working on producing their History of Genres play until the end of the nine weeks.  Students are doing a really good job, especially the rock group.  All groups must have their final scripts turned into MC by Monday, October 1st.
• All students need to begin bringing in their props so that we can begin doing full dress rehearsals.
• I will not have a date for this performance until later because we are still trying to fine tune many areas.

8th Grade General Music:

• Since we cannot get into the Mac Lab for awhile, all student need to begin working on phase two of their projects.  This includes writing and rehearsing your video and/ or movie.  I need your final plot/ scripts no later than Friday by the end of the day.  Remember that the purpose of a video/ movie is to advertise your music so make sure that it is interesting.
• All of you have done a really good job on your songs, which you will hear during class on CD. You will write a critique of each song as if you were a music critique. All of your critiques must be at least 200 words with a catchy title and rating of no more than five stars.

Link to Reflections and Practice Journals

EXTRA!  EXTRA! REFLECTIONS AND PRACTICE JOURNALS ARE NOW ON THE WEB.

Click on the links below and they will take you to the reflections and practice journals.  You may either email or turn them in during class.  Thanks so much for this great idea, I hope that it makes life easier.  :)

Download Reflections.doc

Download practice_journal.doc

Music Competition

Saturday, February 4th there will be an Irish Music Competition in Marietta, GA. 

Any violin or cello student interested needs to see me to get music and registration information.  You may also register on the internet at wwww.atlantairishmusic.com.  The cost of this event is $15.00 and registration begins December 1st.  I am more than willing to help any student prepare for this event, which will expose them to an opportunity that is becoming more popular everyday.

This event is open to anyone of any age who plays the violin, cello, flute, whistle, plucked instrument, or sings.  I am checking on the possibility of violas competing also, I will let you know as soon as I know.

Practice Journal and Extra Credit

Reflections are due tomorrow, Wednesday November 30th.  Please make sure you accurately fill out  with the times you practiced and your goal.  Also make sure that your parent and/or guardian signs to verify your practice times. 
Remember that this is 15% of your grade.....YOU CANNOT AFFORD MISS THIS ASSIGNMENT!!!!!

THE EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT HAS NOT CHANGED AND IS THE SAME FOR ALL CLASSES.
TEACH THE CLASS A CHRISTMAS CAROL USING NO MUSIC ONLY YOUR EAR.

Upcoming Concert

The 8th Grade Concert is Thursday, December 8th at North Cobb from 5:30-6:00pm.  Students will also perform 2 pieces with Barber Middle School at approximately 6:45pm.  Dinner is available for parents, students, and guests for a nominal fee but you are not required to eat.  I sent out an information sheet today concerning the dinner and this needs to be returned no later than Thursday, December 1st.

All students are required to stay for the entire concert, this means our performance, Barber's performance and North Cobb's performance. Students will need to stay afterschool so that we have time to transport instruments to North Cobb, tune, and warm-up in time for the concert.

Students will be performing the following pieces:
            1.  Sleigh Ride
            2.  Let it Snow
            3.  Trepak from the Nutcracker Suite
            4.  Ukraninan Bell Carol
            5.  Winter Fantasy

We have been working really hard for the past couple of weeks and this concert will be a treat for both students and guests.  After the students perform, the North Cobb HS Intermediate Orchestra will perform for the students so that they have an idea of what they can look forward to next year :)

The 6th grade Orchestra, 7th Grade Orchestra, and Afterschool Chamber Ensemble Concert will be Tuesday, December 13th at 7pm in the Awtrey MS Theatre. 

I am very excited about this concert because students and parents will get a small sampling of the extraordinary talent within each grade level.   
All 6th Grade students are reminded that concert attire is Khaki pants, black dress shoes, black dress socks, and the AMS Orchestra black polo shirt.  Any student who did not purchase a polo needs to wear a solid black polo shirt.
 
All 7th Grade students and Afterschool Ensemble members are reminded that concert attire for the holiday performance is black dress pants/ long skirt, black dress socks, black dress shoes and either a RED, GREEN OR WHITE full length dress shirt. 

THIS CONCERT AND THE APPROPRIATE ATTIRE ARE BOTH MANDATORY, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Students need to arrive at school no later than 6:00pm in order to tune and warm-up. 

7th Grade Orchestra

7th Grade Orchestra

We are currently playing Fleiz Navidad and Santa Plays the Viola.  In Feliz Navidad students need to focus their attention on the rhythm from 13-29.  ONLY PLAY WHAT YOU SEE AND NOT WHAT YOU THINK BECAUSE THIS RHYTHM IS TRICKY DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT CHANGES.  In Santa Plays the Viola students need to focus measures 24-34, the tune is The First Noel.  This is a very legato section and should be played in a cantible style.  These are very complicated pieces so students need to practicing daily to prepare for the upcoming concert (December 13th).  I am available before and afterschool for anyone who wants a small private lessons. 

Remember that reflections are due every Friday.  Some of you are missing quite a few but it is never to late to turn in work.  Progress reports will go out on Wednesday so get it in quick, fast and in a hurry!!!:)

Extra Credit assignment:  teach the class a simple Christmas Carol but the only catch is that you must teach them by ear.  There can be no music!!!  Make sure you prearrange the date with me.

8th Grade Orchestra

I have postponed the playing test on Sleigh Ride from measures 23-31 due to the amount of homework that you all had for tonight.  The playing test will definitely be on Wednesday.  I know that some of you will be upset but it's okay:)

Remember that reflections are due every Friday.  Some of you are missing quite a few but it is never to late to turn in work.  Progress reports will go out on Wednesday so get it in quick!!!:)

We are currently working on Ukranian Bell Carol, Sleigh Ride, Trepak, and Winter Fantasy.  Tuesday we will focus primarily on 23-to the end of Sleigh Ride and the beginning to 32 in Winter Fantasy.  Your concert is December 8th which is not far away considering I will not see you at all next week.  We only have 1 week left to practice after the Thanksgiving break, so please be thankful for your talent and instrument by practicing everyday over the break!!!!!!

Extra Credit assignment:  teach the class a simple Christmas Carol but the only catch is that you must teach them by ear.  There can be no music!!!  Make sure you prearrange the date with me.