TERM 4 REFLECTION (PART I)

April

01.04.2009
Music Theory Class
Today was actually our very first music class of term 4. We all just came back from our holidays. In this session we were being taught about an interesting topic called pentatonic scales. We learnt about two pentatnoic scales: 12357 and 13457. Afterwards Mr.John told us to compose one composition using each pentatonic scale. It was quite interesting. Mr.Herry also taught us about the AA'BA' format which helped me in creating my own melody. Then, we were given homework to create another composition which we would then put on the finale in the future.

Instrument Class
Because it was our very first instrument class after the holiday, we kind of relaxed. We played a few songs we learnt from the previous term and also listened to Mr.John play some of our favorite songs. it was quite fun and relaxing. It gave me a chance to strum and play the chords. Oh, and, Mr.John also taught us how to play the C Major Scale.

08.04.2009
Music Theory Class
During today's theory session, Mr.Herry checked our melody that we made for homework. I actually sat by my piano at home as I made my melody, so I was quite happy with my melody. My melody was then used as an example in class, and altogether we put funny lyrics and it was enjoyable. Mr.Herry actually sang the melody for us so we could hear what it was like. When we finished listening to Mr.Herry, we made lyrics for our song. The theme of my lyrics were mothers.

Instrument Class
Mr.John was absent today, so Ms.Melvina took over our class. We all played the C Major Scale as a class with Ms.Melvina accompanying us on the piano. She also listened to us play a few songs and gave us a few criticism and tips on how to improve. She also reminded us to practice alot so that we could master the songs.

15.04.2009
Music Theory Class
In today's class we had to finalize our melody and then we were shown where we could download the Finale Software. The Finale Software would be the software we are using to create music sheets for our song. Mr.Al actually helped us and he was the one who showed us the steps in downloading the Finale.

Instrument Class
It was a quite interesting session today. During class, Mr.John gave us the classical song that we were to play during our assessment the week after next. The classical song was called Andantino. We were taught to read tabs, and then was given the tabs for Andantino. Afterwards Mr.John played us the song itself. It was a good song, and sounded nice and smooth.

22.04.2009
Music Theory Class
Me and almost all of my classmates had issues in putting the song onto the Finale. Therefore the teachers had to show us again how to put the song and also gave us tips and explained the little details that were minor yet important. After watching them I tried to remember everything taught so that I won't have any more trouble in using the sofware.

Instrument Class
Today's session was basically focused on preparing the assessment next week. We had to each play the song so that Mr.John could tell us what we could improve on. Then we tried to play together as the class. By today's session I actually could already play quite well but I still got a little bit criticism. Overall the class was pretty fun.

29.04.2009
Music Theory Class
In today's session we had to submit the hard copy and soft copy of our Finale. We also had to submit the URL of our music blog. But, most of the students in my class didn't submit the Finale copies therefore we were actually lectured by Mr.Herry. Besides that we didn't do anything else.

Instrument Class
Today was the day of the assessment. First Mr.John played the song again, giving us tips on how to ace the exam. Then we started the assessment. The order of the performance was alphabetical. I quite enjoyed watching my classmates play, seeing who practiced and who didn't. I gave them moral support too. When it was my turn, it was quite nerve-wracking and I think I need to play a little bit slower next time. Cindy was the one who got the highest score in our class, which is a score of 95. I got a score of 90.

May

06.05.2009
Music Theory Class
In today's session we talked about major scales, sharps etc. We also had an oral quiz talking about transposing and other such things. After that we had a discussion as a class talking about the FINALE and how our work was going to be assessed through that. Also, during this session many people had not submitted the soft copy of their FINALE.

Instrument Class
In today's class Mr.John gave us the chords to put in our song. The chords for MY melody varied, they were: C, F , G Em and Am. After being added the chords, my melody had a certain fullness and sounded more richer. I played the melody whereas Mr.John accompanied me and played the chords instead. It sounded pretty good and I was proud of my composition. After me, Mr.John helped my other classmates in putting the chords. I also helped by playing the melody on the piano that was available in the guitar room. It was a fun and quite effective class. Oh, and we were told to practice playing our melody at home.

13.05.2009
Music Theory Class
In today's session we had to do some singing exercises. We first had to copy fouor melodies into our notebook. After that we had to sing each melody together as a whole class. This type of exercise would improve our skills in ready notes and such. Some of the melodies had high notes that I couldn't reach. Then, each music class had to perform the melodies. When it came to the guitar class, Yonathan and Johan didn't perform that well, therefore they had to stay back. Then, they had to perform by themselves. It was quite interesting to watch them perform and sing, in fact it was quite funny. Then it came to the violin class. They were the best to perform and I think it is because they had a lot of talented singers in their class.

Instrument Class
Today's instrument session wasn't that long. First we had to go to our own music class and practice our melody with the accompaniment of our music teacher. After 15 minutes past, we had to gather again in the music room to listen to performances done by some of our fellow classmates. First we listened to all the piano students play; they were fluent and their compositions had beautiful melodies. After them, Min Kyo performed HER composition on the flute with Mr.Herry accompanying on the piano. Then it was guitar students. I was the first to perform, and I was quite nervous in doing so. I made just one mistake but overall I personally think I did a pretty good job. Christian and Yonathan even said my melody sounded like a Chinese sleeping song, but I don't know if that is a compliment or not. Then Cindy, Jesslyn, Jeong Min and Olivia performed their compositions, and then we wrapped up the class.