Rationale for My Recorder WebQuest
My WebQuest is focused on recorder technique, performing and creating. My initial challenge to the viewer is that they must prepare selections for our upcoming Spring concert. Additional focus will be placed on a few lucky individuals that have their compositions performed at the concert. My instructional objectives for this WebQuest include playing and improving on the recorder and learning to compose a beginning recorder song.
The rationale for these activities are based directly from our Michigan Standards for Music. Content Standard 1 states that "all students will apply skills and knowledge to perform in the arts". The instrument of choice for most music classrooms is the recorder. It is affordable, easy to transport, and allows each student to be able to experience music making at home. Other instruments such as the xylophones, guitars or keyboards for example would be difficult to transport and not every student would be able to afford an instrument. At roughly $5.00 per instrument, students can experience the satisfaction of performing individually and with a large group at school. In order to have a working knowledge of performing it is important to include how to read notation and the WebQuest features different songs of varying ability for students to play as well as links to explore information on reading notation.
Content Standard 2 states that "all students will apply skills and knowledge to create in the arts". I feel one of the best ways to really tell if there is understanding regarding reading notation, is to have the students create or compose their own song. They have to understand what each musical note means, it's time value and the duration for the sound. They have to understand what makes a good melody and are starting to use repetition as a way of bringing out ideas in the music - either with repeated rhythmic patterns or repeating a melody an interval higher or lower to add interest to the composition. Giving them the opportunity to create their own composition also helps them to have an appreciation for others who write music. Another aspect of performing on an instrument is giving students tools that will help them to practice their instrument. By keeping a practice log and recording the songs that they covered, it helps them to organize their session. Time is very valuable and if we can teach students to be thorough yet efficient with their practice time, they will enjoy playing the instrument and progress quickly too.
Planning this WebQuest has been a fascinating experience. It has really made me think about what is necessary for a quality educational experience for my students. The tools that I provide for them in the WebQuest will enable them to make music on their own, explore links to the internet and begin to use their valuable musical skills that they have been developing.