Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 3, “Math & Music” (7th-8th)
The third day of SAVY Math and Music was focused on the exploration of shapes and their unique role in music. We kicked off the day by discussing where shapes appear in musical experiences. The students eagerly shared their observations, especially focusing on dance. They recognized that dancers create various shapes and lines with their bodies, which change depending on the style of the music. For example, lyrical dances often involved soft, flowing shapes, while upbeat, fast-paced songs featured sharper, more angular movements.
We also introduced the world of marching bands, which was a new notion for many students. The students were absolutely captivated by the precision and creativity of the marching band shows. They loved how musicians and color guard used space and shapes on the field to create visually stunning performances that complement the music. I have linked the one we watched today, as the students were really interested in the video and might want to show it to you! I have also added another one of my favorite performances if your students are interested.
After lunch, Mr. Sam (our wonderful classroom assistant) gave us an overview of music theory! We learned about half steps and whole steps and their connection in chord progression. Students were so excited to learn about thirds and fifths and Coltrane changes! Mr. Sam then gave us a quote that sparked a lively discussion from the book Real Artists Don’t Starve. It says: “The starving artist strives to make a brand-new sound. The thriving artist makes an inspired sound.” This created an interesting debate about what constitutes an inspired sound and what the original sound is. We had arguments of silence as the first sound, talking as the first sound, or even rocks clanging together!
To wrap up the day, we turned to the shapes involved in conducting an orchestra. Using pieces of spaghetti as makeshift batons, the students learned basic conducting patterns. I would encourage you to let your student show you their skills before you boil the pasta for dinner! Overall, it was a perfect way to end a day full of creative and analytical learning, all around the theme of shapes and music.
Today’s Discussion Question:
- Where do I see shapes in music?
- Can I create music with shapes or through shapes?
- What shapes would I assign to my favorite music? What about music I dislike?
Today’s Bops:
- Saturday Sun – Vance Joy
- Keep Your Head Up – Andy Grammar
- Pocketful of Sunshine – Natasha Bedingfield
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Somebody to Love – Queen
- A Million Dreams – Pink
- West Side Story: Act 1: America – Leonard Bernstein
- Take Five – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
- My Favorite Things – Julie Andrews
Also, here are links to more videos that students enjoyed today: