PowerPoint created by Mrs. Jennifer Kittel of Roosevelt High School in her most extreme awesomeness.

Definition of a “song” according to Dictionary.com: 1. a short metrical composition intended or adapted for singing, esp. one in rhymed stanzas; a lyric; a ballad. 2. a musical piece adapted for singing or simulating a piece to be sung: Mendelssohn's “Songs without Words.” 3. poetical composition; poetry. 4. the art or act of singing; vocal music. 5. something that is sung.

When we look at the definition of song, we see that a song is really just a poem set to melody. All musical artists, no matter how “great” are poets. Their work should be read and analyzed as if it were poetry.

1. Pick a song to nominate for a Grammy Criteria for your song: It must be school appropriate. Do not bring in a song that is so overtly sexual, derogatory or one that glorifies illegal activities such as violence or drug/alcohol abuse. Your song should speak to you on a personal level. Pick a song that you feel is timeless in its message and one that deserves to be acknowledged for its excellence. 2. Analyze the lyrics of the song. 3. Create a presentation.

Your presentation must consist of the following elements: 1. An explanation of the song’s content You must go line by line, stanza by stanza and annotate the poem for your classmates. Your translation must answer the question: What is the song about? 2. Provide background information on the artist/song. Share with your audience information about the artist that is relevant to the song. 3. How the songs moves you or how you relate to it. Share personal experiences, make inferences. This is why it is important that you pick a song that has meaning to your life. 4. Examine Poetic Devices explain the rhyme scheme and meter and how they enhance the melody; connect figurative language devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification to the overall meaning of the song

Your speech should be rehearsed and on note-cards. Though you do not need to memorize your speech, you should look at the audience every couple of sentences. Rehearsal will help you in practicing techniques to do this. You may provide your audience with a visual of the lyrics of your song. You may also choose to play a portion your song for your classmates; however, I do not require this.