Discussion Forum 1: Icebreaker

Two Questions to Break the Ice


The objective of this Discussion Forum assignment is simply to break the ice and get to know some of your fellow students who are also taking the class. Also, I hope it will take you to the next level of detail when thinking about the music you listen to and the instruments you enjoy. You must post first before you can see and reply to other posts.

Assignment:
Post your answers to the following two questions and then reply to at least two other posts submitted by your classmates.

1. Let's say you got stranded on a desert island (rescuers are on the way) and you happened to have a working MP3 player or CD player along with earbuds. Which music album, CD, or particular song would you want to have with you and why?
2. In classical music, composers often compose music whereby certain sounds represent some idea (this is called programmatic music). For instance, in the movie "Jaws," John Williams represents the shark with a cello. The instrument's tone is deep and ominous as compared to that of a flute. Now let's suppose that your friend Beethoven decided to compose a symphony in your honor, and it is about you and your life. Which instrument would you want him to use to represent you in the music and why? It is important to express how that particular instrument represents you as a person or represents some life experience. Also, describe your personality a bit or relate a real life experience to help drive home your point. (Note: it's Ok to choose an instrument because you "like" it, but try to get more specific and go into more depth than that. Also keep in mind that many musical instruments can convey upbeat vs. laid back moods, etc.).
   
   Grading of the Assignment
   
   1. Keep in mind that all posts for the course should be written using formal, college level writing and correct grammar, including punctuation and spelling. Do not think of these submissions as if they are emails or text messages to a buddy. Since many of you will be mentioning songs note that song titles are written inside quotation marks and titles of albums or CDs should be italicized.
   
   2. Review the file called "Expectations and Tips for Course Writing Assignments" in Module 1 and follow the directions as well as apply the tips to your submission.
   
   3. Read the instructions carefully. Be specific about why you choose one particular instrument over another. Keep in mind most instruments can play low and high notes, or they can be played fast or slow. Saying something like, "I like the piano because of its sound," says little. Think about what it is exactly that distinguishes that instrument from all others.
   
   4. Achieve depth and detail in your responses.
   
   5. Submissions that meet all the above criteria receive a full score.