2020-2021 Austin-High School Choir-Friday Assignments
- Instructor
- Mrs. Diana Austin
- Term
- 2020-2021 School Year
- Department
- Music
- Description
-
Upcoming Assignments
No upcoming assignments.
Past Assignments
Due:
04-30-21- Online Assignment
Hello!
Here's a fun video for you!
Keep practicing your songs at home and let me know how it's going. I miss you!
Mrs. Austin
Here's a fun video for you!
Keep practicing your songs at home and let me know how it's going. I miss you!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
05-14-21
Here's a video for this week! I can't wait for you to get to hear the recordings we make from all of our hard work this semester.
Thank you for sticking with it so long! I'm so proud of you!
-Mrs. Austin
Thank you for sticking with it so long! I'm so proud of you!
-Mrs. Austin
Due:
Online Students Assignment- 05-07-21
This video is a fun one all based on rhythm which is where so much of music comes from. Try doing this along with the group and see how you do!
Don't forget to turn in this assignment and let me know how you are doing with your music (and in life in general!).
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Don't forget to turn in this assignment and let me know how you are doing with your music (and in life in general!).
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
Recordings 5-14-21 How Can I Keep From Singing
Live Students: Post today's recordings for How Can I Keep From Singing here.
Due:
Recordings 5-14-21 Seal Song Lullaby
Live Students: Post today's recordings for Seal Song Lullaby here.
Due:
Recordings 5-7-21 How Can I Keep From Singing
Live Students: Post today's recordings for How Can I Keep From Singing here.
Due:
Recordings 5-7-21 Seal Song Lullaby
Live Students: Post today's recordings for How Can I Keep From Singing here.
Due:
4-30-21- In-Person Students Recording
Submit your recording from today's class here!
Due:
04-23-21-- Instructions for Online Students
I'm sending this to everyone on the google classroom but these assignments are only for students who are accessing my class virtually.
Here's the plan for my online students for the next few weeks: I will send you a video each week for fun and inspiration. Your job is to practice your music at home and contact me with any questions as well as just letting me know how it's going. Turn in your assignment each week so I can give you credit for participation.
I will give you information on how to record your music when I am able to get the details ironed out on how it will work best. I want to make sure you have the opportunity to participate in the best way possible.
I love you all and miss you!
Mrs. Austin
Here's the plan for my online students for the next few weeks: I will send you a video each week for fun and inspiration. Your job is to practice your music at home and contact me with any questions as well as just letting me know how it's going. Turn in your assignment each week so I can give you credit for participation.
I will give you information on how to record your music when I am able to get the details ironed out on how it will work best. I want to make sure you have the opportunity to participate in the best way possible.
I love you all and miss you!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
How Can I Keep From Singing-- Recording Trial 1
Send your recording from our recording attempts today here. Have a great day! Mrs. Austin
Due:
03-19-2021
Hello Choir! I hope you are doing well and that you survived the blizzard well with your family!
You made it to Spring Break! I want you to take it easy and give yourself a break this week. Practice your music enough that you don't forget what you've learned. Enjoy some time to relax though!
If you haven't yet turned in your two assignments for Sight Reading Factory, please do that as soon as you can.
I'm including one of my favorite "a capella" (unaccompanied) jazz pieces of all time. If you've never heard this one you'll love it! Try to sing along with just one part. Notice how they use their consonants as percussion in the song. This one is super fun so feel free to dance along!
I love and miss you all!
Mrs. Austin
You made it to Spring Break! I want you to take it easy and give yourself a break this week. Practice your music enough that you don't forget what you've learned. Enjoy some time to relax though!
If you haven't yet turned in your two assignments for Sight Reading Factory, please do that as soon as you can.
I'm including one of my favorite "a capella" (unaccompanied) jazz pieces of all time. If you've never heard this one you'll love it! Try to sing along with just one part. Notice how they use their consonants as percussion in the song. This one is super fun so feel free to dance along!
I love and miss you all!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
03-12-21- Choir
Hello Choir!
I am so excited that I will get to see some of you soon! And I also know that there are some of you who still won't be able to join us and I am already missing you at the same time as I am excited to join with everyone. Each one of you is so so precious to me. This note is longer than normal so please bear with me and read it all the way through.
First off, here's the results of the survey: You all are SO glad to be singing again! That was apparent in all of the comments and I'm so glad to hear that adding 2 songs has been a good thing so far! Most of you said that you wanted to add another song although a few of you said you were a little overwhelmed with what you have going on in other classes.
So do we add a third song or not? Well, I'm still looking at the requirements that are in place at the district level for singing together. One of the rules is that we can only sing together for 30 minutes in a room and after that the room must be vacated for 30 minutes. I will be looking at the building today (3/12/21) with Mrs. Lancaster to see what options we have. If you are coming to class in person you can expect that whenever the weather is nice enough we will be singing outside. If you are staying online you can expect that I will not forget you and we will find a way to make it valuable for you. Since there are some pretty big details hanging in the air I am not giving a third song just yet.
This week I am including a video on each of the songs that I have given you just to give you some pointers in your practicing. I will also put these videos into the Music and Resources folder so you can go back to them later. I just thought you would do well to have some guidelines as you practice at home.
I do want to make sure that everyone is actually learning these songs well. This week I would like you to include a recording of yourself singing "How Can I Keep From Singing". It is easiest for me if they are attached to this assignment. Don't record yourself a thousand times or anything; I know you've only had them for a little while and it's okay if you haven't learned them all the way. Just record yourself practicing so I can gauge progress. The recording you send can be with you singing along with your part with the recording in the background. It would actually be helpful to me to have the background music and singers in the recording so that I know if you're on pitch. Again, don't make it a complicated assignment, just a practice recording.
I've also included an inspirational singer that Mia Hess sent in to me. It definitely brought me to happy tears. I hope you enjoy it!
I miss and love you,
Mrs. Austin
I am so excited that I will get to see some of you soon! And I also know that there are some of you who still won't be able to join us and I am already missing you at the same time as I am excited to join with everyone. Each one of you is so so precious to me. This note is longer than normal so please bear with me and read it all the way through.
First off, here's the results of the survey: You all are SO glad to be singing again! That was apparent in all of the comments and I'm so glad to hear that adding 2 songs has been a good thing so far! Most of you said that you wanted to add another song although a few of you said you were a little overwhelmed with what you have going on in other classes.
So do we add a third song or not? Well, I'm still looking at the requirements that are in place at the district level for singing together. One of the rules is that we can only sing together for 30 minutes in a room and after that the room must be vacated for 30 minutes. I will be looking at the building today (3/12/21) with Mrs. Lancaster to see what options we have. If you are coming to class in person you can expect that whenever the weather is nice enough we will be singing outside. If you are staying online you can expect that I will not forget you and we will find a way to make it valuable for you. Since there are some pretty big details hanging in the air I am not giving a third song just yet.
This week I am including a video on each of the songs that I have given you just to give you some pointers in your practicing. I will also put these videos into the Music and Resources folder so you can go back to them later. I just thought you would do well to have some guidelines as you practice at home.
I do want to make sure that everyone is actually learning these songs well. This week I would like you to include a recording of yourself singing "How Can I Keep From Singing". It is easiest for me if they are attached to this assignment. Don't record yourself a thousand times or anything; I know you've only had them for a little while and it's okay if you haven't learned them all the way. Just record yourself practicing so I can gauge progress. The recording you send can be with you singing along with your part with the recording in the background. It would actually be helpful to me to have the background music and singers in the recording so that I know if you're on pitch. Again, don't make it a complicated assignment, just a practice recording.
I've also included an inspirational singer that Mia Hess sent in to me. It definitely brought me to happy tears. I hope you enjoy it!
I miss and love you,
Mrs. Austin
Due:
03-05-21- High School Choir
Hello Choir!
I am hoping that you are learning your songs at home and are feeling familiar with them. I am not sure how best to check your progress on these except by having you send me a recording of you singing. If you have another idea let me know, but otherwise I will probably ask for a recording in the next two weeks, just so you know.
SightReadingFactory: Just like we talked about, I am scheduling another SRF assignment for those who are interested. I encourage you to do one each week, but I will only require one every other week for grading purposes. If you missed last week be sure to turn one in this week. If you'd like to turn one in every week I will give you extra credit for them.
This week's video is a song by a British composer who is still alive and influential in the music world today. The song was submitted by a high school choir member and really I should have introduced you to this composer earlier. Most of his works that I am familiar with are for very large ensembles so I haven't chosen any of his works for us to perform, but he is someone you should know about as a choral student.
Also, as a freebie, I'm including one of my favorite classical songs by Edward Elgar. Lay down, close your eyes, and just take this one in. I'd love to hear what you think of this one.
Have a wonderful week you guys! Keep singing and listening to really good music. Keep your head up and looking toward brighter days ahead! I love and miss you guys,
Mrs. Austin
I am hoping that you are learning your songs at home and are feeling familiar with them. I am not sure how best to check your progress on these except by having you send me a recording of you singing. If you have another idea let me know, but otherwise I will probably ask for a recording in the next two weeks, just so you know.
SightReadingFactory: Just like we talked about, I am scheduling another SRF assignment for those who are interested. I encourage you to do one each week, but I will only require one every other week for grading purposes. If you missed last week be sure to turn one in this week. If you'd like to turn one in every week I will give you extra credit for them.
This week's video is a song by a British composer who is still alive and influential in the music world today. The song was submitted by a high school choir member and really I should have introduced you to this composer earlier. Most of his works that I am familiar with are for very large ensembles so I haven't chosen any of his works for us to perform, but he is someone you should know about as a choral student.
Also, as a freebie, I'm including one of my favorite classical songs by Edward Elgar. Lay down, close your eyes, and just take this one in. I'd love to hear what you think of this one.
Have a wonderful week you guys! Keep singing and listening to really good music. Keep your head up and looking toward brighter days ahead! I love and miss you guys,
Mrs. Austin
Due:
02-26-21- Choir
Hi Choir!
I don't have too much new news for you today because I've given you songs to work on. I haven't heard from many of you about if you would like to do a second song or not, so this week I am attaching a survey. Fill it out (it's super fast!) and try to do it right away on Friday morning if you can so that I have information to work with for the following week.
This week:
1) Fill out the survey.
2) Listen and sing along with the choir warm ups video.
3) Watch the Ave Maris Stella video.
4) Turn in this assignment.
5) Practice your songs along with the recordings I provided. The resources will stay in the MUSIC AND RESOURCES Section for the remainder of the semester. Please try to practice your music at least 5 times each song during the week.
Have a super week!
Mrs. Austin
I don't have too much new news for you today because I've given you songs to work on. I haven't heard from many of you about if you would like to do a second song or not, so this week I am attaching a survey. Fill it out (it's super fast!) and try to do it right away on Friday morning if you can so that I have information to work with for the following week.
This week:
1) Fill out the survey.
2) Listen and sing along with the choir warm ups video.
3) Watch the Ave Maris Stella video.
4) Turn in this assignment.
5) Practice your songs along with the recordings I provided. The resources will stay in the MUSIC AND RESOURCES Section for the remainder of the semester. Please try to practice your music at least 5 times each song during the week.
Have a super week!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
02-19-21
Hello Choir! I hope you are doing well today!
Hopefully you all are doing well learning the two songs you have so far. Send me an email or comment here to let me know how that's going. Is two songs enough or would you like a third song? Keep practicing this week on both songs and let me know if you have any questions. All of the music is under "Music and Resources". You can print the music and listen to the online recordings. Remember, practice your part with your recording until you have it good and then try to sing it while listening to the Balanced Voices track or with another part to make sure you have it strong.
I'm going to assign you a SightReadingFactory assignment this week. Do it soon so it's out of the way and not hanging over you. Remember that you can select the level. When you select the "instrument" be sure to chose the voice part that fits your voice (Soprano, Alto, Tenor). Keep challenging yourself and see if you can improve over time. In case it would help, I made a quick video on how to sight read music. If this you haven't done it before this year, this might help you get going. Let me know if it helps.
I'm also including a really funny video just to make you laugh. Ahhh, music theory. I can't say that was my favorite subject in college. But the more you've studied music the funnier this will be!
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Hopefully you all are doing well learning the two songs you have so far. Send me an email or comment here to let me know how that's going. Is two songs enough or would you like a third song? Keep practicing this week on both songs and let me know if you have any questions. All of the music is under "Music and Resources". You can print the music and listen to the online recordings. Remember, practice your part with your recording until you have it good and then try to sing it while listening to the Balanced Voices track or with another part to make sure you have it strong.
I'm going to assign you a SightReadingFactory assignment this week. Do it soon so it's out of the way and not hanging over you. Remember that you can select the level. When you select the "instrument" be sure to chose the voice part that fits your voice (Soprano, Alto, Tenor). Keep challenging yourself and see if you can improve over time. In case it would help, I made a quick video on how to sight read music. If this you haven't done it before this year, this might help you get going. Let me know if it helps.
I'm also including a really funny video just to make you laugh. Ahhh, music theory. I can't say that was my favorite subject in college. But the more you've studied music the funnier this will be!
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
02-12-21- High School Choir
Hi there guys!
I hope the music I've given you is working well! Sorry the videos are in two parts yet again, but hopefully that's working well for you.
I have warm up videos for you this week. Continue working on Seal Song Lullaby as well a new song called "How Can I Keep from Singing". We listened to this one in our class meeting and I know you all loved it. I have posted all of the resources for these songs as materials under the heading "MUSIC AND RESOURCES". I also put the voice parts into these resources in case you get confused. I am planning on adding the 5-8 Choir in with us for "How Can I Keep from Singing". Print your music, sing the warm ups, and begin learning your parts for these songs.
I really do need feedback from you on how this is going. Is it in the right vocal range for you? Are you able to learn the parts from the recording? How is practicing at home working out? Can you hear yourself sing while you practice? Send me some feedback. I have more music options, but I think I will stick with just two songs for now-- I'd rather do less but do it well than do too much and not have a good handle on it.
I'm including a video just for fun to make you smile-- Monks Sing the Alleluia Chorus! This is one of my favorite pieces to sing and I think I've sang Soprano, Alto, and Tenor at one point or another. Someday we'll hopefully do it in class... but not like this video. Don't forget to turn this assignment in when you're done with the warm-ups.
Love you guys!
Mrs. Austin
I hope the music I've given you is working well! Sorry the videos are in two parts yet again, but hopefully that's working well for you.
I have warm up videos for you this week. Continue working on Seal Song Lullaby as well a new song called "How Can I Keep from Singing". We listened to this one in our class meeting and I know you all loved it. I have posted all of the resources for these songs as materials under the heading "MUSIC AND RESOURCES". I also put the voice parts into these resources in case you get confused. I am planning on adding the 5-8 Choir in with us for "How Can I Keep from Singing". Print your music, sing the warm ups, and begin learning your parts for these songs.
I really do need feedback from you on how this is going. Is it in the right vocal range for you? Are you able to learn the parts from the recording? How is practicing at home working out? Can you hear yourself sing while you practice? Send me some feedback. I have more music options, but I think I will stick with just two songs for now-- I'd rather do less but do it well than do too much and not have a good handle on it.
I'm including a video just for fun to make you smile-- Monks Sing the Alleluia Chorus! This is one of my favorite pieces to sing and I think I've sang Soprano, Alto, and Tenor at one point or another. Someday we'll hopefully do it in class... but not like this video. Don't forget to turn this assignment in when you're done with the warm-ups.
Love you guys!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
02-05-21- Choir
Hi there Choir! So sorry but there were lots of computer glitches that kept interrupting my warm-ups video today! Even though it's three videos I promise it's not all that long.
I'm including the audio recording resources for Seal Lullaby which came in this week! Pdf's that you can print at home will be added shortly. I will also put these in as "Materials" so that they will be easier to find when you go to the classroom website.
Parts are assigned as such:
Soprano 1:
Clara Coats
Margaret Gillett
Maggie Matousek
Caitlyn Carmichael
Alto:
Claire Bolon
Mary Goodhew
Ciaran Vaughan
Bri Frazier
Tenor/Barritone/Alto-as-needed:
Eli Emming
Listen through the music to start learning your part. You will see that the resources include: each part individually (select your part from the list above) as well as a recording of all the voices together (called "Balanced Voice") and a recording of just the accompaniment. If you have any questions please let me know.
I'm including the audio recording resources for Seal Lullaby which came in this week! Pdf's that you can print at home will be added shortly. I will also put these in as "Materials" so that they will be easier to find when you go to the classroom website.
Parts are assigned as such:
Soprano 1:
Clara Coats
Margaret Gillett
Maggie Matousek
Caitlyn Carmichael
Alto:
Claire Bolon
Mary Goodhew
Ciaran Vaughan
Bri Frazier
Tenor/Barritone/Alto-as-needed:
Eli Emming
Listen through the music to start learning your part. You will see that the resources include: each part individually (select your part from the list above) as well as a recording of all the voices together (called "Balanced Voice") and a recording of just the accompaniment. If you have any questions please let me know.
Due:
01-29-2021
Hi there Choir!
Okay, music is ordered and I will get it to you as soon as I can. I have a warm ups video and a quick re-cap video from our meeting.
Thank you so much to all of you for coming and giving me your input at our class meeting-- I can't tell you how much is meant to me to see your faces!
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Okay, music is ordered and I will get it to you as soon as I can. I have a warm ups video and a quick re-cap video from our meeting.
Thank you so much to all of you for coming and giving me your input at our class meeting-- I can't tell you how much is meant to me to see your faces!
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
01-22-21
Hello Choir!
I hope this week finds you well. I'm still coming up with a plan for us based on a few things that are changing. I promise that I'm only delaying so that I can make this as great as I can! I'm looking forward to talking to all of you today (January 22nd) at 1:20 over a WebEx Meeting.
For this week I have some warm ups for you as well as a funny OLD video just to make you laugh. Hopefully you can find the humor in this! Sorry that yet again my computer glitched so the video is split into two videos. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Mrs. Austin
I hope this week finds you well. I'm still coming up with a plan for us based on a few things that are changing. I promise that I'm only delaying so that I can make this as great as I can! I'm looking forward to talking to all of you today (January 22nd) at 1:20 over a WebEx Meeting.
For this week I have some warm ups for you as well as a funny OLD video just to make you laugh. Hopefully you can find the humor in this! Sorry that yet again my computer glitched so the video is split into two videos. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
1-15-21
Hello Choir! I hope you had a stupendous break! Tell me something you did in the comments!
A quick review of expectations for this semester: I will post lessons by 8:30 the Friday morning of class. My hope is that you will watch my lesson (and sing along) on Friday and then click "turn in" when you've finished. If you can't get to it on Friday you have until the end of the following Thursday to complete it. This is how I record attendance for the week so if you do not "turn in" the assignment or reach out in another way then you will be marked absent the following week. Turning in your lesson each week just lets me know that you have watched my video and sang through the choir warm ups. I will also be sending other activities periodically such as the Sight Reading Factory lessons that I think will help, so watch for those and complete them during the week they are assigned. Remember, my goal is to help you pursue excellence and use your voice to enhance this time apart, not add stress to your life. If you need any kind of adaptations or adjustments to these expectations or help of any kind reach out to me and I am here to help. But please don't wait until you are way behind to reach out.
This week my lesson video is short and sweet. I have been looking into some music that you could work on at home in hopes that eventually we can work songs as a class. Send me a personal comment or an email if you have thoughts about the way we do choir this semester. I have lots of thoughts and ideas but I would love to hear if there's something that you would really like to do or really don't want to do. I would also love it if you have ideas for the class that I haven't thought of or tried yet. I do this class for YOU, so Iet's make it awesome!
I'm planning on holding a one-time class meeting on January 22nd at 1:20 (our normal class time). I'd like to chat with you about the direction of the class and what you guys are up for this semester. I feel like it will be a better plan if you are part of the decision making process. Please send me a personal comment letting me know if you can make it to that meeting next week.
I hope you enjoy this fun video about the Marble Machine! The first video is a chance to see it in action. The second is an interesting look into how other machines like it in the past have been created. You don't need to watch both but they are short and I believe you'll find them both fascinating!
Have a stupendous week!
Mrs. Austin
A quick review of expectations for this semester: I will post lessons by 8:30 the Friday morning of class. My hope is that you will watch my lesson (and sing along) on Friday and then click "turn in" when you've finished. If you can't get to it on Friday you have until the end of the following Thursday to complete it. This is how I record attendance for the week so if you do not "turn in" the assignment or reach out in another way then you will be marked absent the following week. Turning in your lesson each week just lets me know that you have watched my video and sang through the choir warm ups. I will also be sending other activities periodically such as the Sight Reading Factory lessons that I think will help, so watch for those and complete them during the week they are assigned. Remember, my goal is to help you pursue excellence and use your voice to enhance this time apart, not add stress to your life. If you need any kind of adaptations or adjustments to these expectations or help of any kind reach out to me and I am here to help. But please don't wait until you are way behind to reach out.
This week my lesson video is short and sweet. I have been looking into some music that you could work on at home in hopes that eventually we can work songs as a class. Send me a personal comment or an email if you have thoughts about the way we do choir this semester. I have lots of thoughts and ideas but I would love to hear if there's something that you would really like to do or really don't want to do. I would also love it if you have ideas for the class that I haven't thought of or tried yet. I do this class for YOU, so Iet's make it awesome!
I'm planning on holding a one-time class meeting on January 22nd at 1:20 (our normal class time). I'd like to chat with you about the direction of the class and what you guys are up for this semester. I feel like it will be a better plan if you are part of the decision making process. Please send me a personal comment letting me know if you can make it to that meeting next week.
I hope you enjoy this fun video about the Marble Machine! The first video is a chance to see it in action. The second is an interesting look into how other machines like it in the past have been created. You don't need to watch both but they are short and I believe you'll find them both fascinating!
Have a stupendous week!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
12-11-20
Hooray! We made it to the very last week! Congratulations!
This week is simple and fun. No Sight Singing this week. I hope you have some time to enjoy some special holiday time with family! Sing through the warm-ups, watch the video, and enjoy. Here's another song by Eric Whitacre. Enjoy, breathe deep, and soak up some peace and joy.
Don't forget to turn in your assignment. If you have some wonderful winter or holiday music send it to me! I would love to hear something new!
Have a super week!
-Mrs. Austin
This week is simple and fun. No Sight Singing this week. I hope you have some time to enjoy some special holiday time with family! Sing through the warm-ups, watch the video, and enjoy. Here's another song by Eric Whitacre. Enjoy, breathe deep, and soak up some peace and joy.
Don't forget to turn in your assignment. If you have some wonderful winter or holiday music send it to me! I would love to hear something new!
Have a super week!
-Mrs. Austin
Due:
12-04-20
Hello Choir! I hope you had a stupendous Thanksgiving break and were able to make some wonderful memories with your family!
This week I have some choir warm ups for your voice. Remember that your voice is a muscle so you really want to make sure you are keeping it in shape. The video I have for you this week is really interesting and I can't wait to hear what you think of it. I just wish I could play jazz piano like that!
I have a new Sight Singing Assignment for you. You guys are really rocking these! It's so cool to hear you improve each time. I know this isn't in the comfort zone for some of you but it's really cool to hear you try and learn and improve. Great work!
Don't forget to turn in this assignment so that I can mark you present on attendance. Keep on singing! I miss you and can't wait to see you again!
Mrs. Austin
This week I have some choir warm ups for your voice. Remember that your voice is a muscle so you really want to make sure you are keeping it in shape. The video I have for you this week is really interesting and I can't wait to hear what you think of it. I just wish I could play jazz piano like that!
I have a new Sight Singing Assignment for you. You guys are really rocking these! It's so cool to hear you improve each time. I know this isn't in the comfort zone for some of you but it's really cool to hear you try and learn and improve. Great work!
Don't forget to turn in this assignment so that I can mark you present on attendance. Keep on singing! I miss you and can't wait to see you again!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
11-13-20
Hello High School Choir!
This week I have a couple of fun things for you. First off is my video of warm ups. I had to be home to make my videos this past week and my kids decided they wanted to add some fun to the end of your video so I hope that makes you smile!
I also am going to continue to assign something on SightReadingFactory.com each week. Participation in this is NOT optional and I am grading you on it, but I am grading you for effort, not for excellence. I understand fully that for some of you sight reading is a brand new concept and it's going to be tough. I also understand that others of you have perfect pitch and have been reading music for ten years. I'm not grading you all the same. I want to see you push yourself and challenge yourself. I know it can pull you out of your comfort zone, but I want you to give it a shot and see how you do!
So each week:
1) Watch my video and sing along with the choir warm ups.
2) Watch the music example I send out.
3) Click "turn in" on the week's assignment.
4) Go to SightReadingFactory.com and complete your sight reading assignment.
If you have any questions of struggles let me know!
I miss you all and hope you are having a fabulous start to your November!
Mrs. Austin
This week I have a couple of fun things for you. First off is my video of warm ups. I had to be home to make my videos this past week and my kids decided they wanted to add some fun to the end of your video so I hope that makes you smile!
I also am going to continue to assign something on SightReadingFactory.com each week. Participation in this is NOT optional and I am grading you on it, but I am grading you for effort, not for excellence. I understand fully that for some of you sight reading is a brand new concept and it's going to be tough. I also understand that others of you have perfect pitch and have been reading music for ten years. I'm not grading you all the same. I want to see you push yourself and challenge yourself. I know it can pull you out of your comfort zone, but I want you to give it a shot and see how you do!
So each week:
1) Watch my video and sing along with the choir warm ups.
2) Watch the music example I send out.
3) Click "turn in" on the week's assignment.
4) Go to SightReadingFactory.com and complete your sight reading assignment.
If you have any questions of struggles let me know!
I miss you all and hope you are having a fabulous start to your November!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
Holiday Carols!
Hello Choir!
I will be ordering a set of holiday caroling books soon to use with the High School Interactives class coming up in December. I plan to keep these books though and use them in future years.
What are your favorite holiday carols to sing as a group? I will look for books that include as many of your favorites as I can find. Answer soon-- I will be ordering books next week!
Thank you!
Mrs. Austin
I will be ordering a set of holiday caroling books soon to use with the High School Interactives class coming up in December. I plan to keep these books though and use them in future years.
What are your favorite holiday carols to sing as a group? I will look for books that include as many of your favorites as I can find. Answer soon-- I will be ordering books next week!
Thank you!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
11-6-20
Hello my wonderful choir! I am so grateful for you and wish I could hear your beautiful voices!
I have some choir warm ups for you this week as well as something to listen to that was submitted by Mary Goodhew! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Also, I have assigned you a new assignment in SightReadingFactory.com. Follow the directions and give it a shot. Challenge yourself and see what level you can do!
Keep singing and keep working on your music reading!
I love you guys!
Mrs. Austin
I have some choir warm ups for you this week as well as something to listen to that was submitted by Mary Goodhew! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Also, I have assigned you a new assignment in SightReadingFactory.com. Follow the directions and give it a shot. Challenge yourself and see what level you can do!
Keep singing and keep working on your music reading!
I love you guys!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
10-23-20
Hi there, Choir!
I am sending you some new and fun things today! First of all, enjoy the warm ups and interval challenges I'm giving you this week. The more we build on these the stronger musicians you will become.
As we work more on our sight singing skills I thought this video was appropriate. This is Bobby McFerrin. You will LOVE this one. You really can hardly watch Bobby McFerrin without being fascinated. Enjoy, and tell me what you think!
Mrs. Austin
I am sending you some new and fun things today! First of all, enjoy the warm ups and interval challenges I'm giving you this week. The more we build on these the stronger musicians you will become.
As we work more on our sight singing skills I thought this video was appropriate. This is Bobby McFerrin. You will LOVE this one. You really can hardly watch Bobby McFerrin without being fascinated. Enjoy, and tell me what you think!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
10-16-20
Hello! So sorry about my videos today... my computer had a seizure and decided it had had enough so I had to split it into 3 videos.
I have one new video for you although I am worried that it may not come through the way I want it to. I found this really inspiring video on two vocal groups-- a 6 person men's jazz group from South Africa and a 6 person women's classical group from Germany that come together for a week to make an amazing concert combining their cultures and styles. If you can listen to the whole 25 minute video it's pretty neat. If not, at least listen to the two minutes I've included in the slides file below which is their first presentation of a song they came up with after just one day of combining their styles. (NOTE: You don't have to watch the whole 25 minute documentary... it's just pretty cool if you have time).
I have an assignment for you this week! I would like you to send me the link to a choral video that you find interesting! Search the internet and see what you come up with. I'd love to post some of them to share with others over the coming weeks. Send me things you find amazing, interesting, and vocally challenging.
Have an awesome week!
Mrs. Austin
I have one new video for you although I am worried that it may not come through the way I want it to. I found this really inspiring video on two vocal groups-- a 6 person men's jazz group from South Africa and a 6 person women's classical group from Germany that come together for a week to make an amazing concert combining their cultures and styles. If you can listen to the whole 25 minute video it's pretty neat. If not, at least listen to the two minutes I've included in the slides file below which is their first presentation of a song they came up with after just one day of combining their styles. (NOTE: You don't have to watch the whole 25 minute documentary... it's just pretty cool if you have time).
I have an assignment for you this week! I would like you to send me the link to a choral video that you find interesting! Search the internet and see what you come up with. I'd love to post some of them to share with others over the coming weeks. Send me things you find amazing, interesting, and vocally challenging.
Have an awesome week!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
10-9-20
Hi there guys! I hope your week has been amazing and that you're finding some joy in this busy time. I went camping in the wilderness last weekend and was so grateful for the chance to breath smoke-free, corona-free, chaos-free air! It was a gift!
For this week I have a video for you with some more warm-ups to keep your voice from falling out of shape. I also have another video for you to listen to. You know I'm a big fan of Eric Whitacre's compositions. He pioneered the idea of virtual choirs WAY before anyone every thought of it. Here's his latest virtual choir-- over 17,000 singers! Pretty amazing. Listen and enjoy! Don't forget to "turn in" this assignment when you've finished both activities.
Also, I wanted to give you an idea of how I am grading. When I get your assignment turned in then I mark you present and give you a participation grade. I really do appreciate when you send me a comment each week to tell me how it's going, what you liked or struggled with-- it helps me plan and know that you are engaged. I will also be giving performance grades down the road, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.
I hope your week is going well and that you stop by to see my during office hours! I miss you all!
-Mrs. Austin
For this week I have a video for you with some more warm-ups to keep your voice from falling out of shape. I also have another video for you to listen to. You know I'm a big fan of Eric Whitacre's compositions. He pioneered the idea of virtual choirs WAY before anyone every thought of it. Here's his latest virtual choir-- over 17,000 singers! Pretty amazing. Listen and enjoy! Don't forget to "turn in" this assignment when you've finished both activities.
Also, I wanted to give you an idea of how I am grading. When I get your assignment turned in then I mark you present and give you a participation grade. I really do appreciate when you send me a comment each week to tell me how it's going, what you liked or struggled with-- it helps me plan and know that you are engaged. I will also be giving performance grades down the road, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.
I hope your week is going well and that you stop by to see my during office hours! I miss you all!
-Mrs. Austin
Due:
10-02-20
Hello Choir! I hope you all are finding a good groove and finding joy in each and every day! I miss making music with you and hearing your amazing voices!
This week I have two things for you.
First, there's my lesson video. My video cut off and so it's broken up into 2 pieces. First warm ups, and then a continuing lesson on intervals. I'm trying to get some common language into our ears so that when we get back together we are way ahead in terms of being able to read and learn new music together.
Second, and just for fun, I've included a video of Avi Kaplan from Pentatonix singing Overtones. Seriously... I cannot do this and I think it's amazing. Overtones naturally occur in every note, and you can hear them under just the right conditions. I have heard choirs that are so in tune they are able to produce them consistently. But I had never heard of anything like this! Let me know what you think!
And if you have a great choir video to share, pass it on to me! I'd love to hear it and maybe even share it with the class!
Have a super week-- you are amazing!
Mrs. Austin
This week I have two things for you.
First, there's my lesson video. My video cut off and so it's broken up into 2 pieces. First warm ups, and then a continuing lesson on intervals. I'm trying to get some common language into our ears so that when we get back together we are way ahead in terms of being able to read and learn new music together.
Second, and just for fun, I've included a video of Avi Kaplan from Pentatonix singing Overtones. Seriously... I cannot do this and I think it's amazing. Overtones naturally occur in every note, and you can hear them under just the right conditions. I have heard choirs that are so in tune they are able to produce them consistently. But I had never heard of anything like this! Let me know what you think!
And if you have a great choir video to share, pass it on to me! I'd love to hear it and maybe even share it with the class!
Have a super week-- you are amazing!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
09-25-20
Hello Choir!
For this week, I have a video with choir warm ups and an introduction to intervals and how to identify them. Watch the video, sing along, and don't forget to "turn in assignment" at the end.
Also, one super fun activity for you! It's called "Eat with Your Ears" and is a science experiment you can try involving good music and chocolate... seriously, your family will love this! Let me know how it works for you! Comment on the class page!
I love and miss you guys! I hope to see you soon!
Mrs. Austin
For this week, I have a video with choir warm ups and an introduction to intervals and how to identify them. Watch the video, sing along, and don't forget to "turn in assignment" at the end.
Also, one super fun activity for you! It's called "Eat with Your Ears" and is a science experiment you can try involving good music and chocolate... seriously, your family will love this! Let me know how it works for you! Comment on the class page!
I love and miss you guys! I hope to see you soon!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
09-11-20
Hi guys! Today I have some choir warm ups for you to try along with me. Do your best and send me a comment about how it went. Is it weird to do warm ups at home? Is it nice to give your voice a workout? Does your voice feel a little out of shape? Let me know! Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Austin
Mrs. Austin
Due:
9-04-20- Listen and Breathe
Hi guys! I don't know if you've been stressed out with all of the new things in life right now, but I sure have needed a reminder to bring me back to one of the things I love about singing and about choir: good music that helps me access a deeper part of myself.
This is a song by Ola Gjeilo, one of my favorite modern composers of choral music today. He is from Norway and I sometimes feel like you can hear the Norwegian scenery in his music-- vast and wild and full. Last year the 5-8 Choir did the song "Seasons" and the year before that my Friday choir did the song "Northern Lights", both his compositions. It seems appropriate to start the year off with something by him again.
Lay down somewhere comfortable, close your eyes, and breathe deep. Listen to the music and allow yourself to hear all of the different layers in it. This piece is MUCH more than 4 part harmony. As you are laying there listening you will notice that your belly rises and falls with your breathing. This is THE WAY to breathe as a singer! Shoulders are still (not moving towards the ears with the inhale) and the breath is almost silent. As you get up from listening see if you can maintain that same breathing. This will give you more oxygen and help ground you-- especially during the corona-chaos!
Love and best wishes to you all!!!
Mrs. Austin
This is a song by Ola Gjeilo, one of my favorite modern composers of choral music today. He is from Norway and I sometimes feel like you can hear the Norwegian scenery in his music-- vast and wild and full. Last year the 5-8 Choir did the song "Seasons" and the year before that my Friday choir did the song "Northern Lights", both his compositions. It seems appropriate to start the year off with something by him again.
Lay down somewhere comfortable, close your eyes, and breathe deep. Listen to the music and allow yourself to hear all of the different layers in it. This piece is MUCH more than 4 part harmony. As you are laying there listening you will notice that your belly rises and falls with your breathing. This is THE WAY to breathe as a singer! Shoulders are still (not moving towards the ears with the inhale) and the breath is almost silent. As you get up from listening see if you can maintain that same breathing. This will give you more oxygen and help ground you-- especially during the corona-chaos!
Love and best wishes to you all!!!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
9-04-20- Listen and Breathe
Hi guys! I don't know if you've been stressed out with all of the new things in life right now, but I sure have needed a reminder to bring me back to one of the things I love about singing and about choir: good music that helps me access a deeper part of myself.
This is a song by Ola Gjeilo, one of my favorite modern composers of choral music today. He is from Norway and I sometimes feel like you can hear the Norwegian scenery in his music-- vast and wild and full. Last year the 5-8 Choir did the song "Seasons" and the year before that my Friday choir did the song "Northern Lights", both his compositions. It seems appropriate to start the year off with something by him again.
Lay down somewhere comfortable, close your eyes, and breathe deep. Listen to the music and allow yourself to hear all of the different layers in it. This piece is MUCH more than 4 part harmony. As you are laying there listening you will notice that your belly rises and falls with your breathing. This is THE WAY to breathe as a singer! Shoulders are still (not moving towards the ears with the inhale) and the breath is almost silent. As you get up from listening see if you can maintain that same breathing. This will give you more oxygen and help ground you-- especially during the corona-chaos!
Love and best wishes to you all!!!
Mrs. Austin
This is a song by Ola Gjeilo, one of my favorite modern composers of choral music today. He is from Norway and I sometimes feel like you can hear the Norwegian scenery in his music-- vast and wild and full. Last year the 5-8 Choir did the song "Seasons" and the year before that my Friday choir did the song "Northern Lights", both his compositions. It seems appropriate to start the year off with something by him again.
Lay down somewhere comfortable, close your eyes, and breathe deep. Listen to the music and allow yourself to hear all of the different layers in it. This piece is MUCH more than 4 part harmony. As you are laying there listening you will notice that your belly rises and falls with your breathing. This is THE WAY to breathe as a singer! Shoulders are still (not moving towards the ears with the inhale) and the breath is almost silent. As you get up from listening see if you can maintain that same breathing. This will give you more oxygen and help ground you-- especially during the corona-chaos!
Love and best wishes to you all!!!
Mrs. Austin
Due:
Choir Survey
Please complete this survey as soon as possible in order to help me make a plan that will be of the greatest benefit and joy to all of us for the school year.