Orchestra and technology

Both band and orchestra have purchased an amazing program called SmartMusic that analyses the students playing. As they practice, the software analyses their intonation and rhythms and shows them where they played correctly and incorrectly.  This software can record students playing along with the electronic orchestra accompanist in the background and then students can listen back to what they just played so they can figure out their "trouble spots" in the music we play in class. It's basically like a private tutor at home! 

Every week the students should be practicing for 18 minutes-5 days a week on smartmusic in order to practice effectively and obtain good scores on their weekly practice log assignments.  I also assign many playing assessments so the students can really understand their music. This tool maximises the students learning outcomes and is very effective as it gives immediate direct feedback.

While we have been doing chair-placements, students have also been working on composing a presentation using either google docs or prezi about a specific composer, they have been collaborating in groups and have been coming up with creative ideas! Exciting things happening in the orchestra program this semester! :)