Integrated assignment sci-fi brief - examples
What musical devices are being used to create tension (think about texture, buildup, repetition, ostinatos, pitch, contrast)
Think about the instrumentation. What kinds of instruments are being used? Orchestral? Electronic? How do the choices of instruments and timbres contribute to the mood.
How are non-instrumental sounds used (eg sound effects)?
How are music technology effects (eg reverb, manipulation of sounds) used?
How does the music reflect the action?
This afternoon!
NEXT THURSDAY (during half term) I’ll be running individual composition tutorials for students who need help completing. Individual time works well - just ask isaac! I’ll be getting a letter to parents tomorrow, those of you who need one, I’m sure you know who you are.
Josh - continue adding a more interesting buildup to your sections. Use the synth track we added last week as a starting point.
Theo/Will - you NEED to email me your guitar pro files TONIGHT. mrcrosshomework@gmail.com
Isaac - carry on with the comp you started last week. Try and get as much done as possible.
Jack, Alexie, Alex - share time in the studio, get as much done as possible.
Vicky - finish that ending!
Tom - go to numu.org.uk and look at the fanfare competition. I want you to enter this, get composing something fanfarish with your trademark ‘tom dissonance’!
Harriet - work on those few last timing issues.
Alice and Akeem - work hard, get as much done as possible. I want you both to come for an individual tutorial next week (see above).
Paddy - the guys in the studio may need some drum parts recording.
The rest - compose like you’ve never composed before!
Mr. Cross
BOND SOUNDTRACK - studio group
Well done on this one - it’s really effective. You’ve clearly thought about the features we discussed at the start of the lesson, and you’ve used them to create tension in a really skillful way. Just make sure the guitar’s in tune with the piano next time…
Feel free to leave a comment below (they have to be ok’d be me before they go live).
| — | Mr. Cross |
Here’s your video definitions from today. We’ll be doing more of these - they help to cement terms and concepts in your minds, and they’ll also be valuable revision aids later on!
HOMEWORK
Listen to the music in this clip.
“How does the composer use music to build tension and suspense in this scene?”
Structure, dynamics and texture are good starting points…
Make notes on the above question (bullet points are fine). There’s no set amount, but I need to see from your notes that you’ve watched, listened, and given it proper thought.
We’ll look at this piece of music in detail next lesson, and your responses to this task will be used for our initial discussions.
THE BEST WAY IS TO USE THE ‘COMMENTS’ LINK BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ANSWER. Otherwise, paper is fine. Just remember it next Wednesday…
Homework
Revise the following terms, and think about how you’d go about explaining and demonstrating them.
At the start of next lesson, you’ll be split up into groups and given a one of these terms. You’ll then have a short amount of time to record a short revision video explaining the term. Get thinking…
Leitmotif
Tonality
Chromatic
Diatonic
Timbre
Interval
Prog-rock Batman arrangement!
