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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Jam-Packed Beats: Create Your Own Tracks!

Jesse C
Updated
A.D.Co.10
A.D.Co.11
F.D.Co.10
F.D.Co.11
P.D.Co.10
+ 3 more
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The Challenge

The core challenge is the decline in local music and arts hubs due to reduced funding and patronage, which limits opportunities for musicians and artists to showcase their work. This impacts cultural vibrancy and access to diverse artistic expressions in the community.

Challenge Question

How can we synthesize historical and cultural influences in music production to create a performance that revives and honors local dance styles and provides innovative solutions to the challenges faced by local musicians and artists?

Standards
  • [Massachusetts] A.D.Co.10 - Connecting: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. Explain the development of their aesthetic vision as a dancer and how it is represented in a movement piece.
  • [Massachusetts] A.D.Co.11 - Connecting: Relate artistic ideas and works to societal, cultural and historical contexts to deepen understanding. Identify the historical and cultural context that caused the shifting of stylistic elements between dance styles.
  • [Massachusetts] F.D.Co.10 - Connecting: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. Describe what has influenced changes in one’s artistic style and preferences in dance.
  • [Massachusetts] F.D.Co.11 - Connecting: Relate artistic ideas and works to societal, cultural and historical contexts to deepen understanding. Identify the connections between historical and cultural context and defining stylistic elements of dance movements
  • [Massachusetts] P.D.Co.10 - Connecting: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. Describe how dance influences their approach to other academic disciplines (P.D.Co.10). HSS Connection: Students connect the popularity of the Charleston to influences on the Harlem Renaissance in History class.
  • [Massachusetts] P.D.Co.11 - Connecting: Relate artistic ideas and works to societal, cultural and historical contexts to deepen understanding. Explain the relationship between dance and commercialization or propaganda (e.g., arguing whether or not a commercial depiction of hip-hop dance is authentic).
Competencies
  • Express Ideas - Finalize and share my product or performance (EXI.4)
  • Express Ideas - Develop my craft (EXI.3)

Learning Partners and Clients

Partner with Berkshire Music School, a local cultural institution in Sheffield, for workshops where students can learn about historical dance styles and music influences. Collaborate with local music venues to organize a music production showcase, giving students a platform to present and share their musical creations. Work with these partners to explore the challenges faced by musicians and artists in the community and develop strategies for sustaining and promoting cultural expression through music and movement.

Phase Outcomes

Phase Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the limited performance opportunities for local musicians by exploring real-world cases and discussing them with industry experts, which deepens my conviction to help address this issue.
Examine
I can research historical dance styles and their societal impacts by analyzing cultural shifts and interviewing artists, allowing me to understand the evolving nature of music and movement.
Engineer
I can develop a music production piece influenced by historical dance styles that resonates with both local artists and audiences, reflecting my own creative voice and understanding.
Do
I can implement my music piece by organizing a live showcase, gathering audience feedback, and refining my work based on the collected data to assess its cultural impact.
Share
I can share my music production journey and insights at a community event, engaging attendees with live performances and discussions that highlight my personal growth and connection to the project's cultural aspects.