Greg here. Glad to be connecting with the Literacy Maven for the Page Turner's end of the year project link-up.
The students completed research on the past 50 years of a regional/county specific social issue - of their own choosing (i.e. healthcare in South Africa, gay rights in China, and nuclear problems in Japan). This phase of the project introduced students in to the realities that face people from all over the world. Their timelines, which made connections to events outside of their topic, helped build a context for their issue and its place in the world.
In preparation for Stage 3, students were asked to see how people meshed art with advocacy. Students analyzed issues that were/are personally important AND focused on improving the cause. By finding pieces of art, music, and film, students recognized that people are committed to change.
In stage 3, students analyzed the list of topics researched in the first two stages. Students placed all of the topics in to separate categories which eventually served as the groups for final phase. Groups were deemed with the task to write a piece of music that reflected the theme/category of the group and incorporated elements of their earlier topics.
To assist in the process, I worked with Ms. JJ Sheffer from CoWork155 and KableHouse Live to identify local musicians willing to help students. We held one face-to-face session followed by asynchronous collaboration via Google Docs, Skype, and phone conversations.
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In working with the musicians, students also learned that we would hold a music showcase at Central Market. (Central Market is a historic farmer's market located in the heart of York, PA.) Several of the musicians agreed to help with performing the songs. Some students agreed to present their own song while others asked student-musicians for assistance.
Students recording their music!
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The final event - the performance of the songs - was held last evening (May 19). Students introduced their songs with a brief rationale and explanation of their work. The introductions were followed by the musicians final work.
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Overall, it was a fantastic event! The students were shocked at how their lyrics were transformed in legitimately GOOD pieces of music. The local newspaper even did a write-up on the event. If you'd like to read more about the project, please check out the PANc Music website created by the students.
Until next time,
-Greg
Until next time,
-Greg
