Reflection Topics

Reflection #7- 6/12/12

For "Reflection #2- 11/2/11" you were asked to set measurable goals for yourself with regards to your participation this year in the band program. With the year drawing to a close, revisit your comments and reflect upon whether or not you met your expectations. Did your goals shift as the year progressed? Where did you fall short? How, specifically, are you a different musician now than in Term 1? Cut and paste your original comment before typing your reflection. (Due Tuesday, June 12th @ 11:59pm.)

Reflection #6b: 5/11/12

Choose either this reflection topic or #6a. It's report card time. Considering all that's taken place since September, rate our performance as an ensemble this year. What has caused us difficulty? In what ways have we shown progress? Give us a letter grade and justify your decision, keeping in mind that an A+ would be the "ideal high school band", but not the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Be thoughtful and objective. (Due 11:59pm, Friday, 5/11.)

Reflection #6a: 5/11/12

Choose either this reflection topic or #6b. Consider your musical idols. What do you admire about them, and how do they inspire you? In what ways do they influence your own musicianship? Why are role models such as this important to us in our roles as music students? (Due 11:59pm, Friday, 5/11.)

Reflection #5: 4/2/12

"An American in Paris" was George Gershwin's attempt at capturing his emotions as an American citizen living in Paris, excited by his surroundings but thinking wistfully of home. Consider your own life and identify an experience that might have made for a compelling piece of music. Then, explain and justify your choice. Finally, describe what your piece might sound like and title it in the format "A/an _______ in ________." ("A Jeremy Hill in a Sailboat", "A Josh Geary in Birthday Bliss", etc.) Due 11:59pm, 4/2/12.

Reflection #4: 3/6/12

As promised in class, I'd like you to offer your opinion on any topic. Choose something about which you feel strongly (musical or otherwise), and defend your position. Be mindful that other students will be reading your post, and that content should be school-appropriate. (Imagine your principal reading this before you submit it.) TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY, TAKE YOUR TIME and TAKE A STAND. (Due 11:59pm, Tuesday, 3/6/12.)

Reflection #3: 12/16/11

Shostakovich wrote the music in "Folk Dances" to uplift the spirits of his fellow countrymen during World War II. What specific musical choices did he make to accomplish this goal? What role does folk/popular music play in a time of crisis? Can you think of any instances of music serving such a role? (Due 11:59pm- 12/16/11)

Reflection #2: 11/2/11

What do you hope to accomplish this year in band? Could you set measurable goals for yourself in terms of practice, musicianship, rehearsals, etc.? Would you like to improve specific areas of your technique? Work more closely with your section? In June, what will have made this year in band a success for you? Be specific, as we'll revisit these goals for a Term 4 reflective essay.

Reflection #1: 9/23/11

In class, we discussed the creation of "It is Well With My Soul", the basis for "On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss." Please answer the following question by 9/23/11: Music and lyrics are often so connected. These two men didn't know each other. Who is more responsible for the piece we're playing? Bliss for writing the melody, or Spafford for writing the text that inspired it? Is it possible to separate the two?