Art assignments

Grade 5/6 - Identitiy
Due September 30th
Assignment:
Research an era (50s, 60s, 80s) or music type (country, rock, hip hop, electronic compositions) that creates a sense of identity.  Find music from the era or type of music and research how the music is related to what was happening during that time or with its creation.  For example, if I was to research the 50s rock emerged because it was a form of rebellion.  I want more information than that, but you get the idea.  Do not just choose one artist, your research should be general and focus on the era or type of music.  How did the music create an identity for those who listened to it?

You will then create a PowerPoint telling about your era or music type and how it affected the identity of the people in the era or type.  Include pictures of styles that were part of that era or music type – this is part of identity.  Do you think that music affects your identity?  Why or why not?

You will also create an audacity mash up.  This will be used at the beginning of your PowerPoint to introduce you era or music type.  Use a variety of music from different artists from your era or music type.  Take bits and pieces from each and combine them in audacity.

Grade 7/8 - Social Issues
Due September 30th

Assignment:

1.        You need to research how one artist or several artists use their music to raise awareness about social issues.  Think about songs that you know and the lyrics that go with them.  Are there any songs that make you think or teach you about a social issue?  Social issues can range from poverty to racism to homophobia to gangs.  Check with Miss Smits if you are not sure if your topic is a social issue. 

2.       Answer these questions and add any additional information that you can find.  How does the artist raise awareness about social issues?  Why do they want to raise awareness?  Are their songs popular?  Does most of their music advocate a social issue?  What do you think about the artist message?

3.       When you have completed your research you need to create a song of your own.  You will use Audacity and piece together different parts to make your own song.

a.       You need to use pieces of music from the artist you researched. 

b.       You also need to use your voice to tell how your artist uses their music to raise awareness about their social issue. 

c.       This needs to be musical (sing, rap, etc) and then add background music.  You need to make sure that your music blends together.

Your song will present your research.  So make sure that you include the important information.  The song should sound like a song; make it so that people would listen to it!