Endings and Beginnings.

We've come to the end of another marking period, which brings with it all the quizzes, tests and rushing around to turn in last minute assignments and extra credit that we've come to expect with this period of time.

Behind me, my 8th Grade Music Technology class is working on their mid-term quiz, using the computers to demonstrate their knowledge of GarageBand. GarageBand is a program for the Apple computer (there are 25 of them in my room) which we use to edit and arrange musical "loops" to create new compositions. A "loop" is a small piece of music that is designed to be repeated and added to other loops to make music.

The quiz also involves questions about Genres (types or styles) of music. This semester we studied four genres of music - Motown Soul, Disco, Rock, and New Jack Swing. We did this by looking at the music of Michael Jackson, who was unique in his ability to cross through many different genres to make his music.

Sadly, I'll be losing my 6th Grade Exploring Music class tomorrow, but I look forward to another set of students to see for six weeks, and I look forward to continued work with my 8th graders for another marking period. Over the next six weeks, we'll get even more in depth with GarageBand, learning how to use it in different musical forms. We'll also begin learning about Podcasting. Look for more information, including how to subscribe to our GarageBand Project Podcast in the very near future.