Vermont MIDI Project - Music and Multimedia Technology Summer Institute 2008

Composing and Arranging Music with Sibelius:
Addressing Literacy, Creativity, and Productivity for Students and Teachers

Level 1- Beginner/Novice
Entry level course for those who have not used technology extensively, or who need a refresher in Sibelius notation software. Basic instruction will be combined with project-based exploration, with great flexibility based on individual needs. Break-out sessions will include teaching strategies for different grade levels, creating worksheets, assessment, writing for live instruments and combining video and music. The composition process used by the Vermont MIDI Project focusing on reflection, critique and strengthening music literacy skills will be woven throughout the course.

Level 2 - for intermediate and advanced
This course will expand beyond the basic skills with Sibelius notation software. The course will focus on individually designed composition or arranging projects based on individual needs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore intermediate and advanced aspects of the notation software, including chord symbols, lyrics, filters, multiple voices, plug-ins, and more. This course will also cover and clarify some of the new features of Sibelius 4, including dynamic parts, the use and creation of classroom worksheets, and inputting video for film scoring.

Instructor for Beginning/Novice:

Anne K. Hamilton has been teaching workshops and courses in music technology for eleven years. After teaching music at the elementary and middle school levels for fifteen years, she is now in her eighth year teaching Chorus and Music Theory/MIDI Composition at North Country Union High School. She has presented the work of the Vermont MIDI Project at conferences throughout the United States. Anne received special recognition in 2005 as a nominee for the Music Technology Teacher of the Year by TI:ME (Technology Institute for Music for Music Educators).

Instructor for Intermediate/Advanced:

Matt Podd is a composer and pianist currently studying at the Ithaca College School of Music. As a keyboardist, Matt performs regularly as a jazz pianist, vocal accompanist, and church organist. Matt composes and plays various types of music, including jazz, classical, contemporary, theatre, and popular. His compositions have been performed in England, Spain, Canada, and throughout the United States. As a student member of the Vermont MIDI Project, Matt’s work was featured in many Opus concerts and in the new DVD Young Composer Series: Writing for Brass Instruments. Matt currently serves as a composer mentor in the Vermont MIDI Project. His extensive knowledge of the many features found in Sibelius notation software has proven to be an invaluable resource for all involved with the Vermont MIDI Project.

Introduction to Digital Audio

This course is suited for anyone interested in digital audio: music educators as well as technology specialists and library media educators are welcome. This course will cover the basic principles of audio recording from set up to recording, editing, mixing, and burning to CD. Course software will be Pro Tools Mobile Pre 7 Academic which is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Participants will design and complete a project during the institute that they can bring back to school and use as a model for future projects with students. Other software and freeware for audio editing will be addressed during a special session during the institute.

Instructor:

Marc Schonbrun graduated magna cum laude from the Crane School of Music. He is an active educator, writer, and performer on the East Coast. Marc's musical resume ranges from classical guitar concertos to jazz trios and rock concerts. He is an active lecturer on guitar and music technology, and he frequently tours the country educating musicians and teachers. He is also the author of numerous books on music theory, guitar playing, and music technology.

Marc is the author of The Everything Home Recording Book, The Everything Reading Music Book and numerous other titles. He is a professional training specialist for Digidesign, Avid and Sibelius USA.
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Have a project in mind that supports your personal professional development goals? If you have a general plan and now just need TIME and/or COLLEGE CREDIT to fulfill that goal then sign up for the Music and Multimedia Summer Institute Independent Projects course. You'll have access to other instructors, a curriculum and assessment consultant, and music and multimedia technology specialists for assistance. There will also be opportunities to participate in special focus sessions and network with other institute participants. Contact sandi@vtmidi.org to consider the options that might support your need. Independent Projects need to be outlined and approved by Sandi prior to the opening of the institute.

Erik Nielsen will be at the Summer Institute as a composer in residence. He has been composing for 30 years and his catalog includes works for chorus, orchestra, solo instruments, chamber music of many configurations and electronic music. His works have been performed in Canada, Europe and Australia as well as many locations in the United States. Erik will work individually with participants and notes, "Some of the people who attend have never composed before, while some have considerable experience composing or arranging. I have found that the works involved range from very specific pieces for use in the teacher's own classroom to works for percussion ensemble, concert band, jazz ensemble, rock band, chorus or orchestra. I spend most of my time privately discussing the various aspects of the specific compositions with the individual creators. For me it is both gratifying and enjoyable to increase my acquaintances and to share my love of the compositional process."

Special Topics Sessions
Participants will be able to select from special topic sessions they wish to attend in addition to the main course they have selected for the focus of their week. Sessions offered throughout the week will include: