February 2012

30 Jan-3 Feb (Week 3)
Subject/Topic: Essay on the beginning of Jazz, melody "All of Me"
Reflection Question: How did I do my first essay?
                                How does it affect my learning in jazz?

             I did my first essay pretty well by researching on the internet and also from the handouts given. It was easy for me because it was only 200 words. I had an improvement in understanding the background of jazz better.
             For instrument class today, I learned the melody of the song called "All of Me". Then we looked for a partner. One of us played the chords and the other played the melody, actually it sounds quite good.


6-10 Feb (Week 4)
Subject/Topic: Singing assessment/rehearsal
Reflection Question: How do you understand the learning of jazz through your assessment tasks done till now?

              Today was the submission for the second essay. Then we reviewed another handout about jazz. After that, we had a rehearsal for our singing assessment tomorrow. We determined the key for our singing assessment.
               Today was our assessment for the singing assessment. I sang "What A Wonderful World" with my partner. I think by singing this song, I can notice that the styles of jazz song are different from the typical /pop song. I can recognize by hearing the rhythm and the style of the music.


13-17 Feb (Week 5)
Subject/Topic: 12 Bars Blue
Reflection Question: How is my understanding of blues and applying 12 Bars Blues?

                We learned how to compose a 12 bars blues. First, we received the accompaniment (the chords) given by Mr.Herry. Then I made my 12 bars blues. This is the first time for me to create blues. I understand that the rhythm is different from classical song. It is more fun and contain more dotted notes. I understand it better now.
                 For instrument class, Mr.Herry played my melody and I played the left hand to show us how to play with both hands on the piano. I should practice with both hands and change my last bar to make it sounds better.

20-24 Feb (Week 6)

                  I have sent my email for the finale 12 bars blues. I have not printed it out and I will print it at school since I am having problem with my finale. I was absent on wednesday because I was sick, so I could not submit it on wednesday and have a practice at school.

           

January 2012

16-20 Jan (Week 1)
Subject/Topic: Introduction to Jazz, "All of Me"
Reflection Question: How did you find the beginning of jazz?

          I found jazz is a really interesting music. My teachers, each instrument teacher presented it really well by performing a jazz song and show the example of improvisation. We had some group activities to write questions that we want to know about jazz and something about jazz that we already knew.
          In instrument class, I received the chords of the song "All of Me". We actually figured out and studied the chords first in theory class so we can be more familiar with it and can play next time.


23-27 Jan (Week 2)
Subject/Topic: Roots of Jazz, chords "All of Me"
Reflection Question: How is my progress in learning the jazz?

          My progress in learning the roots of jazz is going well. It was pretty confusing at first but after studying it, I can understand it better. Now, I know how to read the chords and as well how to play it with my instrument. I will practice it in the instrument class.
          For instrument class, I already did the chords yesterday. Today, I practiced the A part or the first part of the song called "All of Me". I could do it well but I will practice the second part for the homework.