TEACHER STUDY GUIDE 2018/2019 SEASON Guides/Black... · laska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been ... lesson planning and will assure teachers that Alaska

TEACHER STUDY GUIDE2018/2019 SEASON

Alaska Junior Theater n 430 W 7th Ave, Suite 30 n Anchorage, AK 99501P 907-272-7546 n F 907-272-3035 n www.akjt.org

n Curriculum Connections

n Learning Resources

n Performance Background

n Activities for the Classroom

n Theatre Etiquette

Promotional support provided by

School Shows: November 1 & 2, 2018 10:30 AM Atwood Concert Hall

Public Show: November 1 & 2, 20187:30 PM Atwood Concert Hall

Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been bringing the best in professional theatre from around the world to Alaska’s young audiences since 1981. Each year, more than 40,000 students attend

a variety of live performances at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. For many students, our school show presentations are their only exposure to live performing arts.

Each show we present has a strong educational component, and are linked to Alaska Content Standards. Alaska Junior Theater also offers teacher and student workshops, study guides and classroom transportation to our performances.

We are committed to keeping ticket prices low, allowing children of all financial levels to experience live professional theatre. Our low educational ticket price of $8 covers only half our costs of presenting shows. To subsidize the remaining $8 of each ticket, we actively fundraise and rely on the support of corporations, foundations and individuals. In addition, we fundraise to offer full scholarships to students with financial need.

Discovery Theatre, ACPA

Alaska Junior Theater asked area teachers to review our 2018/2019 performances for direct connections to Alaska Content Standards. The direct connections for Black Violin are listed below, which will assist in lesson planning and will assure teachers that Alaska Junior Theater programs help classes meet curriculum connections.

To get a complete copy of the Alaska Content Standards, visit: https://www.asdk12.org/commoncore/. Additional information about these standards can be found at the National Association for Music Education via https://nafme.org/my-classroom/standards/.

Carr Gottstein Lobby

Common Core State Standards

National Standards for Music Education

Alaska Junior Theater Page 1

Curriculum Standards

CCR Anchor Standard 4:2CCR Anchor Standard 6CCR Anchor Standard 8Writing Standard 1Speaking and Listening 1

Special thanks to Deanna James, Brian Singleton and Michael Jereu for their help in this effort.

MUSIC ED: Re7.1.3a - MUSIC ED: Re7.1.5aMUSIC ED: Re7.2.2a - MUSIC ED: Re7.2.5aMUSIC ED: Re8.1.2a - MUSIC ED: Re8.1.7aMUSIC ED: Re9.1.PKa - MUSIC ED: Re9.1.8aMUSIC ED: Cn10.0.Ka - MUSIC ED: Cn10.0.8a

Music, Instraments, and ComposersAda’s Violin : the story of the Recycled Orchestra of ParaguayWhat in the World is a Violin?I See the Rhythm by Michele Wood and Toyomi Igus Pop Star by Lisa Regan Music by Neil ArdleyThe Story of the Orchestra by Robert LevineIs the Violin for You? By Elaine LandauJohann Sebastian Bach and the Art of Baroque Music by Donna Getzinger Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow: a Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio

Musical StoriesValentine and his Violin by Philip HopmanA Violin for Elva by Mary Lyn RayThe Composer is Dead by Lemony SnickettHana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri UegakiNotes from an Accidental Band Geek by Erin DionneAudtion & Subtraction by Amy Fellner DominyMoxy Maxwell Does not Love Practicing the Piano by Peggy GiffordVictoria the Violin Fairy by Daisy MeadowsAnna Maria’s Gift by Janice ShefelmanFour Seasons by Jane Breskin Zalben

Music, Movies and MoreBrandenburg Concertos 1-6 by Johann Sebastian BachDouble Violin Concerto by Mark O’ConnorViolin & Viola Concertos by William WaltonBeethoven Lives UpstairsZin! Zin! Zin!: a ViolinMusic Comes Alive!Black Violin Official Website

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http://blackviolin.net/

LIBRARY

RESOURCES


Resources Related to Black Violin

Check out ebooks and audio books by these authors and many more at the ListenAlaska and hoopla and download music at Freegal on the Anchorage Public Library Website:

www.anchoragelibrary.org

The name ‘Black Violin’ is derived from the influence of a famous Jazz violinist, Stuff Smith, who changed Wil-B and Kev Marcus’ perspectives on the capabilities of the violin. Six months before Smith’s death, he recorded his most soulful solo album entitled Black Violin. His life’s work was so moving that the duo decided to name their group after the most inspiring violinist they had ever heard.

These two gentlemen, Kev Marcus and Wil-B have created the ultimate synergy between Classical and Hip-Hop music, and with it an incredible opportunity to reach young people. Black Violin’s notoriety rose with their amazing performance accompanying Alicia Keys at the 2004 Billboard Awards, and by performing on the same bill with some of the industry’s biggest artists. They have been voted one of the Top 5 News Bands at SXSW and performed at the 2013 Inauguration Ball Performance President Barak Obama.

With Stereotypes, Black Violin set out to achieve something more than just selling some records or gaining notoriety as a curiosity. “We want to really be something that young musicians aspire to,” says Kev. “For us, the violin is the vehicle for a bigger message, which is not to be afraid to be different.”

They have been given an Award by the Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts for their Outstanding Contributions to Middle & High School Performing Arts Students. Kev Marcus and Wil B, graduates of Dillard Performing Arts High School, used their musical talents to earn full scholarships to college. Now, Black Violin wants to make sure that America’s young people get the same exposure to the arts, and therefore, the same opportunity that they did.

Wil-B ‘Simply Sick,’ attended Dillard High School of Performing Arts, and attempted to join the school band in an effort to play the saxophone. At the age of 13, he was mistakenly put into the string program instead of the band; but as luck would have it, he learned the viola and grew to love it. He has participated with local pop orchestras such as the Young Artist Contemporary Orchestra in Palm Beach, Florida. He attended Florida State University. Not only is this young man talented on the violin but he also can sing, play the piano, drums, trumpet and the bass guitar. His influences include some well known musical artists such as Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Curtis Mayfield, Chaka Khan, Victor Wooten, Common, AZ, Jill Scott and Talib Kweli.

Wil-

B

The second master of this unique duo, Kev Marcus, also attended Dillard High School of Performing Arts. He was encouraged by his mother and teachers at the age of nine to begin playing the violin. From there, he grew so intrigued by it that he couldn’t let it go. He also began to participate with the local pop orchestras and was also a semi-finalist in the Sphinx National Competition for Blacks and Latino’s in 2000. He went to college at Florida International University, where he met their manager Sam G. His musical artist influences are past great pioneers of the music world such as Herbie Hancock, Stuff Smith, Mozart, Bach, Brahms and Nat King Cole. Kev Marcus also has been influenced by some of today’s artists such as Mos Def, Notorious BIG, Dr. Dre, The Roots, and Nas.

Kev

Mar

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DJ S

PSDJ SPS is an american turntablist/dj/producer who was raised abroad and now calls Orlando home. He is known for his intricate fast cuts, stylish juggles and complex beat manipulation on wax. Never afraid to show his skills, SPS has entered numerous DJ battles where he has gained notoriety as a fierce competitor who shows no mercy. With a variety of titles under his belt including the 2008 DMC USA Supremacy Championship title, he has gone on multiple tours across the United States and Europe showcasing his live skill set to wow audiences and fans alike. With extensive knowledge of years of music, it only seems logical that he would produce multiple albums and remixes.

Ringtones 2007For our debut album, we felt strongly about telling our story through our own words on one special track. Recording a vocal contribution was a step outside our artistic comfort zone. With the beat playing on repeat for inspiration, we both wrote our verses in silence. Kev’s verse represents his proud upbringing and the good people that have influenced his life. DJ TK then cuts the lyric “This is my story” into the track as the chorus. Wil’s verse represents the struggles endured throughout his life and the many lessons he learned throughout his journey while overcoming these adversities.

Classical Trained 2012 Amidst mixtape releases, they issued their eponymous debut album in 2008 and Classically Trained in 2012, earning support spots on tours for, among others, Wu-Tang Clan, Ciara, Aerosmith, and Kanye West along the way. In 2014, Black Violin signed with Universal Music Classics, which released their third LP, Stereotypes, in 2015.

Sterotypes 2015The opening and title track to Stereotypes, the major-label debut by Black Violin, serves as a mission statement for an ambitious and groundbreaking group. Wil Baptiste (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin) are a string duo from Florida with equal footing in the worlds of classical music and hip-hop. Though they have been playing together since high school, with Stereotypes, they take a great leap forward, from admirable rarities to significant innovators. The album features a wide range of guest artists and writers, expanding and enhancing the work of these young African-American string powerhouses.

Black Violin Albums

Don’t have an instrament? Let’s make one!

Materials you will need...

• Cardboard box (ex. cereal or cracker box)

• Cardboard tube• Scissors• Rubber bands• Duct tape

Instructions...

1. Cut holes on the front and top of cardboard box for the sound hole and to attach the guitar neck.

2. Make small cuts around one end of the tube. This will be the top.

3. Insert the bottom of the tube into the hole at the top of box and duct tape in place.

4. Wrap rubber bands from the top of the tube - securing them in the cuts you made - to the bottom of the box and tape in place.


ACTIVITIES

Post-Show Activities• Which songs did you recognize during the performance (both pop/hip-hop and classical)?• What did you think of the music? Did the different styles mesh effectively and sound harmonious, or

was it more jarring and discordant?• If you have been to a traditional classical music concert and/or hip-hop concert, how did this compare? • What were the differences? What were the similarities?• Write a five paragraph descriptive essay about the performance.

ACTIVITIES


Pre-Show ActivitiesPlay a piece of violin music and ask the students to either draw or write (or both) whatever comes to mind while they are listening to it.

Bring in a violin and/or a viola to show your students and point out the various parts of the instrument. Have a student studying the instrument play for the class.

Research Projects: Have the students, either alone or in groups, research the different topics and make a presentation to the class: The history of the violin. An explanation of how violins are made. An explanation of how violins produce sounds. An explanation of how the violin is played. Why antique violins are so desirable; Why Stradivarius instruments are highly valued. The importance of varnish on acoustic violins.

Have the students write a comparative essay on the topic of “Acoustic violins versus Electric violins.”

Make a poster advertising either an acoustic violin or an electric violin.

Have the students write a persuasive essay that is either for or against combining different types of music, such as, but not limited to, classical and hip-hop.

Create an Internet Treasure Hunt. Make a list of questions about classical music and hip-hop. Topics can include facts about composers, and hip-hop songs that have sampled classical music (for ideas, visit:http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/staff_top_10/top-ten-classical-music-samples-in-hip-hop.htm)

Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to med school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted. Also, a study of 7,500 university students revealed that music majors scored the highest reading scores among all majors including English, biology, chemistry and math. Sources: “The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University,” Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480 “The Case for Music in the Schools,” Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994

High school music students score higher on SATs in both verbal and math than their peers. In 2001, SAT takers with coursework/experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework/experience in the arts.

Source: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001.

Music training helps under-achievers. In Rhode Island, researchers studied eight public school first grade classes. Half of the classes became “test arts” groups, receiving ongoing music and visual arts training. In kindergarten, this group had lagged behind in scholastic performance. After seven months, the students were given a standardized test. The “test arts” group had caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their classmates in math by 22 percent. In the second year of the project, the arts students widened this margin even further. Students were also evaluated on attitude and behavior. Classroom teachers noted improvement in these areas also. Source: Nature May 23, 1996.

WHY MUSIC?


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The Anatomy of the ViolinFill in the parts of the violin.

ACTIVITIES


bridge body bow chin rest F-hole fine tuners fingerboard four strings frog scroll tail piece tuning pegswaist

Word Bank


ACTIVITIES

Composers Word Search

ACTIVITIES


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ACTIVITIES

Black Violin Coloring Sheet

ACTIVITIES


Black Violin Instrament Match

Viola: an instrument of the violin family, larger than the violin and tuned a fifth lower.

Violin: a stringed musical instrument of treble pitch, played with a horsehair bow.

Drum Kit: a set of drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments used with drumsticks.

DJ Mix Table: a console used to mix sound signals for recording or broadcasting.


ACTIVITIES

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Theater Etiquette And Experiences We have a wonderful opportunity at this performance to help youth learn about attending live performances. Please discuss the following with your students: 1. Sometimes young people do not realize how a live performance differs from watching a movie or television show. A live presentation has not been pre-recorded with the mistakes edited out. This makes it riskier for the performer and more exciting for the audience. It also means the audience has a real contribution to make to the overall event. Each audience member affects those around him/her as well as the performer. Concentrate to help the performers. The audience gives energy to the performer who uses that energy to give life to the performance. 2. An usher will show you where to sit. Walk slowly and talk quietly as you enter the theater. 3. For safety’s sake, do not lean over or sit on the balcony railings or box ledges. Please be careful on the stairs. Avoid horseplay and running throughout the building. Do not drop items on audience below. 4. If necessary, use the restroom before the performance begins, but after you have found your seat. Adults need to accompany young students. 5. You may talk quietly to the people next to you until the performance begins. 6. When the lights in the theater begin to dim, it is the signal that the performance is about to begin. Stop talking and turn your attention to the stage. 7. Stay in your seat throughout the entire performance. 8. During the performance, listen quietly and watch closely. Talking during the performance will distract other audience members and performers. Try not to wiggle too much and do not kick the seat in front of you. These disruptions make it hard for others around you to concentrate on the show. 9. Sometimes during a performance you may respond by laughing, crying, or sighing. By all means, do so! LAUGHING IS APPROPRIATE. (Teachers, please do not hush the students while they are laughing.) If something is funny, it is good to laugh. If you like something a lot, applaud. This will let the performers know that you are enjoying the show. 10. At the end of the show, applaud to say thank you to the performers. The performers will bow to acknowledge your appreciation and thank you for coming. 11. When the lights get brighter in the theater, the show is over. Stay in your seats until the On Stage Coordinator dismisses your school. 12. Please remember: •Takingphotographsorusing recordingdevicesisstrictlyprohibited. •Beveragesandfood,includinggumandcandy,arenotallowedinthetheater. •Youareonlyonepersonamongseveralhundredintheaudience. •Pleaserespect theperformersandyourfellowaudiencemembers.Please inform your chaperones that ushers will be available throughout the performance if there are difficulties.


body

bridge

bow

chin rest

fine tuners

four stringsfrog

scroll

tail piece

tuning pegs

waist

fingerboard

F-hole

The Anatomy of the Violin

Composers Word Search

ANSWER

KEY


Cryptogram Answer“A stereotype is an often

unclear and untrue belief.”

Fallen PhraseAnswer

“For us, the violin is the vehicle for a bigger

message. Which is not to be afraid to be different.”

Word Search on Page 9

Cryptogram on Page 10

Fallen Phrase Puzzle on Page 13

Documents

TEACHER STUDY GUIDE 2018/2019 SEASON Guides/Black... · laska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been ... lesson planning and will assure teachers that Alaska