Purposes of Music and other music terms

Ceremonial Music created or performed for rituals or celebrations. Patriotic Music Religious Music

Examples of Ceremonial music Bridal Chorus Hail to the Chief (entrance of the President) Funerals Commemorative ceremonies Graduations Political events Holidays Religious rituals

Recreational Music for entertainment or fun. Game Songs Dance or Social Events For Physical Activities As a Hobby

Examples of Recreational music Most of what we listen to daily System of a Down Lil’ Wayne Weezer Journey CCR NIRVANA ….country music….maybe

Artistic Expression Music performed in a concert setting in front of an audience. Composed Music Music created with the intent to express or communicate one’s emotions, feelings, ideas, or experiences.

Examples of music for artistic expression Bach Beethoven Tchaikovsky Handel Haydn Mozart Wagner

Syncopation Any rhythm that emphasized the down beat Sometimes referred to as being “off-beat” Can be used to make a song feel surprising, uncertain, exciting, or just more interesting The type of syncopation can be used to identify the type of music (ex. Ragtime, jazz, swing, big band)

Tempo terms Accelerando – if the music speeds up Rallentando or Ritardando – if the music slows down Largo – slow and broad Adagio – slow Andante – “walking”, a medium slow tempo Moderato – moderate or medium Allegro – Fast Vivo (or Vivace) – lively and brisk Presto – Very fast Prestissimo – very, very fast

Strings 4 stringed instruments commonly used in the modern orchestra: Violin – highest sound, most numerous Viola – slightly larger, w/ a deeper and more mellow sound Cello – much bigger, noticeably lower and deeper sound Bass – so big the player must sit on a stool or stand to play, has a very low sound All are usually played by use of a bow, but sometimes played by plucking them

Woodwinds Also typically 4 types used in any modern orchestra Flute – no reed, high pitched Oboe – double reed and traditionally sounds the first “A” that the orchestra tunes to, deeper and sometimes used in orchestras Clarinet – single reed, wide range of notes and very versatile

Woodwinds cont. Types cont. Bassoon – Largest and lowest pitched standard woodwind All woodwinds are played by blowing into them and using ones fingers to cover various holes to produce notes

Brass All made of metal (silver alloy or brass) Sound produced by “buzzing” the lips against the mouthpiece Rest of instrument just amplifies and refines the sound Slides or valves help achieve various notes Again, typically four varieties in an orchestra: Trumpets – small, high pitch French Horn – more conical and mellower than trumpet Trombone – only valveless brass instrument, uses a slide, still lower than the trumpet

Brass cont. Types cont. Tuba – largest and lowest sounding, much mellower and more distant sounding than the trombone Some types used in bands but not as common in an orchestra are: baritone, euphonium, mellophone, and sousaphone

Percussion Anything not classified as a string, woodwind, or brass Mostly various drums or instruments hit by drumsticks or beaters Drums: timpani (kettledrums), side drums, tenor drum, bass drum, bongos Cymbals Xylophones, marimbas, glockenspiel, tubular bells Tambourine, triangle, maracas. Castanets, claves, wood blocks, bells, and scrapers Piano and various whistles

Voice Female voices: Soprano – highest female voice Mezzo-soprano – mid-range Contralto – lowest Male voices: Tenor – highest male voice Baritone – mid-range Bass – lowest

Music criticism notes There are 5 criteria to base a judgment on: Timbre – quality of tone, range, variety, appeal of musical sounds Expressiveness – interpretation, style, and phrasing Technique – the performers skill Presentation – choice/appropriateness of music – whether the performer meets expectations – Geared to live music Impact – artist’s charisma – newness (uniqueness) of what you hear – how the artists compares to similar artists you have heard

This week’s agenda Today and tomorrow – practice music listening for the test Wednesday – Clubs/binder check (Notes from KET, the “Purposes and other music terms” ppt., and the practice worksheets for the test) Thursday – Test Friday – Make-up tests/DEAR Make sure peer revisions/2nd drafts are turned in

Sociology Test today Tomorrow – Make-up test/DEAR