Creating a BIAB Personal Improvisation File
David Thomas May
dmay@burlington-nj.net
Burlington City High School
TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:
Electronic Musical Instruments
Notation Software
Music Production
Instructional Software
Level:
High School
Class:
Music Technology
Equipment:
MacPro Desktop Units, Korg X-50 keyboards, Band In A Box (BIAB) Software, FINALE / SIBELIUS Notation Software. Room projector hook-up for teacher computer.
Duration:
38 Minutes
Prior Knowledge and Skills:
The students should know how to input chord changes into a BIAB file and select styles. Students should have ability to do some very basic improvisation ideas.
MENC Standards Addressed:
MENC 2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 3: Improvising melodies, harmonies, and accompaniments.
MENC 4: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
MENC 7: Evaluating music and music performances.
Materials:
Projection Screen shots of computer visuals for students to view during opening instructions. List of steps to execute the project.
The Real Book Music Fake Book
Objectives:
Students will be able to identify, prioritize, assemble and finalize the necessary elements to construct an improvisation rehearsal file for a standard lead sheet.
Procedures:
Class will begin with a brief verbal overview of the project and the anticipated end result. 1 minute
Students will then be asked to turn their attention to the projection screen as the teacher lectures through the steps of the project. 5 minutes
Students will then select a lead sheet from their improvisation folder and input the chord changes into their BIAB file. (there should be 4 time repeat / loop). 10 minutes
Students will then record in the lead melody (a comfortable tempo should be selected) in the first time. 5 minutes
The students will continue with improvisational ideas recorded into the “soloist” track on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th loops. 15 minutes
Wrap up – Save Up – Clean Up
Evaluation:
Student work and progress will be evaluated by the instructor, throughout the class period.
The ensuing class period will used to provide an opportunity for a class performance of the file and will be evaluated for a grade by the instructor.
Follow Up:
Students would be asked to use this project in their improvisation lessons to demonstrate the usage of the tool for improvisational practice ideas.
Items to Purchase:
None
When budget should be submitted:
N/A
