Music 1: Introduction to Music: Dan Mitchell: Intro to Music

Monday, October 6, 2008

First 'Listening Assignment' Due on Wednesday
The first weekly listening assignment is due at the start of class this Wednesday. You need to go to the course calendar, find the week three section, click on the link to the assignment, and print it out. You must answer the questions on this printed form - no other forms are accepted.
Some important - critical, actually - points to keep in mind as you do the homework:

The homework questions are based on text reading and you listening to the accompanying musical recordings.
You must print the homework form and answer on it. I will not accept hand typed or hand printed versions on the homework.
You must staple your pages together - and... a paper clip is not a staple... and a folded corner is not a staple... and tape is not a staple.
[ Discuss]

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Ready for Next Week?
Some things to keep in mind...

On Monday we'll take quiz 2 at the start of class. It is based on the week 2 study assignment..
You may optionally choose to also do the "retake" version of quiz 1 at that time.
The next discussion topic is due before the start of Monday's class.
The first written listening assignment is due later next week.
[ Discuss]

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

10/1/08: New Topic Assignment Posted
The next weekly topic assignment has been posted: Week 2 Topic - Fall 2008. Deadline and other information is in the assignment at the link. (Hint/Reminder: Due before the start of your class next Monday.) [ Discuss]

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

About the Concert List
Soon it will be time to start planning attendance at a concert for the Concert Review assignment that is due in a few weeks. Qualifying concerts will be listed in the Concert List at this web site... soon. Watch for updates to be posted starting sometime during the next week.
The Concert List is updated at least once per week, so check back for new events that you may attend for these assignments. [ Discuss]

Thursday, September 25, 2008

First Quiz Next Monday
The first weekly quiz will be next Monday, September 29 at the very beginning of class - don't be late!
The quiz will be short, consisting of no more than a half dozen Scantron questions. You must bring a Scantron (the long, skinny brown version) and a pencil to class for every weekly quiz.
As described elsewhere, each week's quiz covers the previous week's study assignment - e.g. the quiz on Monday of week 2 will cover material from the Study assignment in the week 1 listing in the course calendar. [ Discuss]

Must Use FIRST and LAST Names for Site Membership
I'm encouraged to see that almost everyone has now joined the web site. (If you haven't... do it now. If you are having problems doing this... let me know and I'll help you.)
When you sign up for site membership you must use both your REAL FIRST NAME and your REAL LAST NAME. This is because when you do online work at the site and I check it to give you credit I must know whose work I'm evaluating! The bottom line is that if you only use your first name (without your last name) I may not be able to credit you for work you have done.
The following list includes students who only supplied a first name:
Alan
Chris
cindy
Desirae
elaine
Erik
Jeffrey
Jordan
marlon
Nick
Ralph
Rina
Roger
santiago
Sean
segen
stefonn
virginia
Will
Note: your name will not be available publically. It can only be seen by site members (e.g. - you and me) who are logged in at the site.
If you are on this list, please check yesterday's post to see how to fix this - and take care of it right away. Thanks! [ Discuss]

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

De Anza Traffic Delays and Congestion Next Week
Today the College shared the following announcement that may affect students and others driving to campus and parking here next week.

Due to major events at the Flint Center during the next two weeks, expect traffic delays and congestion and limited parking around the Flint Parking Structure on the following dates and times:
MONDAY, SEPT. 29, 6:30-10 p.m.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 30, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8, 6:30-10 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 9, 7 a.m.-4 p.m
[ Discuss]

9/24/08: Pre-Class Music
Variations for Vibes, Piano, and Strings, 1st mvmt. by Steve Reich [ Discuss]

First Discussion Topic Assignment Posted
The first discussion assignment topic has been posted: Week 1 Topic - Fall 2008 (You can always find the current topic posted at the Discussion Topics List page - see the sidebar for the link.)
As it states on the topic page, your response to the discussion topic is due before the start of your class next Monday, September 29. Assignments posted after the deadline will earn no credit. (You may miss one without penalty however.)
Also note the late work policy in the green sheet, especially the part concerning the importance of completing any assignment that involves posting at or downloading from the web site at least 48 hours before the deadline, along with the importance of contacting me immediately if you have any technical or other problems with the assignment.
You must join the web site before you can do these assignments. They are not accessible to individuals who are not site members. Do this now if you have not already taken care of it.
Also, if you did not use your first and last name when you joined the site (e.g. - you only entered a nickname or just your first name) you must correct this before you do the assignment. Here is how to fix this:

Once at this web site, click the login link and login to the site.
After logging in go to http://faculty.deanza.edu/mitchell/music1/prefs/.
Edit your name on this page so that includes both your first and last name.
Scroll down and click the Submit button.
Log out of the web site if you are using a shared computer.
[ Discuss]

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Music 1: Enrollment Update 9/23/08
After meeting both my 9:30 and 10:30 Music 1A sections on Monday I can update open seat information for students who may wish to add one of these classes.
The 9:30 class was full on Monday, though there is always a possibility that some students may not return. If you want to join this section please come to class right away and let me know you want to add.
The 10:30 class was not full on Monday. (This was a surprise since it was fully enrolled with a waiting list!) So it appears that there is still room to add this class. Come to class right away and let me know you want to add, and there is a good chance that you will be able to get into the class. [ Discuss]

Monday, September 22, 2008

Welcome to Fall 2008 Music 1A: Introduction to Music
Today is the first day of fall and the first day of the fall quarter at De Anza College. Welcome to my Music 1A: Introduction to Music classes.
A few announcements and reminders:
Enrollment and adding Music 1A
As of this morning it appears that both of my Music 1A sections are fully enrolled. If pre-enrolled students drop or fail to come to their class this week I may be able to replace them with students who wish to add. If space is available I'll offer open seats to students who are in attendance, with the following priority:

Students on the official waiting list for the class.

Students who are present at the first class meeting.

Students who ask to add at class meetings later in the week.

Students who I dropped for non-attendance at the first class meetings, but who want to rejoin the class.

As of this morning it appears that all sections of Music 1A at De Anza are full, but you may find that space is available to add if you attend the first class meeting of the class you would like to take.
Alternative class options
Several other music classes fulfill the same certificate, graduation, and transfer requirements. These include other courses in the Music 1 category (World Music and Jazz Styles) and the new Music 59 section. As of this morning there were openings is some of these classes. I urge you to enroll in one of them as an alternative to Music 1A.
Getting started in Music 1A
We "hit the ground running" in Music 1A. You must come to class prepared to fully participate - this means that you have resolved any schedule conflicts so that you can be in class on time every day, that you have picked up all course materials, that you come to class with a notebook and are ready to take notes, and that you have organized your schedule so that you'll have sufficient time for studying and other outside course work.
There are several links on this web site that you should check out right away. Some of the most critical include:

The course green sheet - the greensheet outlines course requirements and policies.
The First week checklist outlines the steps you must take right away in order to effectively participate in the class.
Use the Join Now link in the Members section of the sidebar on the right side of the page to become a member of this web site. This is a course requirement - not an option - and you cannot complete course assignments without becoming a member.
The Concert Review and Concert Review links are required reading during week 1. (Questions on this material will be included on the first "Monday quiz" next week.
The course calendar outlines all assignments for the term including study assignments, homework, tests, concert reports and more.
Print a copy of the First Week Survey today. Fill it out and return no later than the the due date/time at the start of class on Wednesday of week 1.
The Powerpoint outline of the first day activities is available as a movie: First Day Powerpoint
Other music classes
The De Anza College Music Department offers a wide range of classes for students of all levels and interests. Music classes are open to all De Anza students - you do not have to be a "music major." Classes include the following and more:

Voice and Instrumental performing groups: wind ensemble (band), orchestra, several choirs, vocal and instrumental jazz groups, African drumming, chamber music, and more.
Beginning level classes in keyboard, guitar, percussion, woodwinds, brass, voice and more.
Intermediate and advanced instruction in all of the above.
Music theory classes ranging from Fundamentals of Music for beginners to a two-year Comprehensive Musicianship ("theory") course sequence.
Electronic music.
and more...
I encourage you to consider augmenting your college experience with one or more of these classes. Let me know if you have questions about any of them and I'll try to help you find the right course for you!
Contact Info
You can reach my via email (often the best method) at mitchelldan@deanza.edu. My office telephone is 408-864-8511. (24 hour voicemail, so call any time.) My office is located in A15 in the A1 building - primary office hours are at 11:30-12:30 on MTWTh, but I can meet with you at other times if you are busy then. [ Discuss]

Monday, September 15, 2008

Music 1: Enrollment Update 9/15/08
Checking the current enrollments on 9/21, I see that both of my sections of Introduction to Music: Music 1 are full - there might be some space to add on Monday, but the 9/30 class is your best bet.
With that in mind I'd like to share a few ideas for those looking for this class or an equivalent.

If the 10:30 section is full, try the 9:30 section - it usually doesn't fill quite as quickly.
If both classes fill you may still be able to add the class at the first meeting if some pre-registered students fail to show up. Be there at the very start of the class since I give highest priority to student who are in attendance at that time.
Consider another section of Music 1 or one of the other equivalent "Intro" classes. Some other options in the Music program are listed below.
Introduction to Music: Jazz Styles (Music 1B)

3318 TR 10:30AM-12:10PM A31 FARRINGTON

Introduction to Music: World Music in America (Music 1C)

3220 W 2:30PM-4:10PM AT120 DUNN

[ Discuss]