e-Orch Teaching Manual: Curriculum and Resources

COLLABORATIVE COMPOSITION
Objective
Students participate in groups to co-create a composition under a predesigned
framework with guidance from the teacher. Students will manipulate
musical elements for a co-decided artistic goal which has a self-expressive and
communicative purpose through diverse techniques and approaches such as
improvisation. It aims to provide inspiration and collaborative music creation
experiences by using "5-‘con'" approach – conceptualise, construct, connect,
contradict and continue. The product will be a recorded audio track or live
performance, or both.
Number of Participants
• 4 students per group
Materials
• iPads
• Speakers
• Overhead projector
Prior Knowledge and Experiences
• Students learn to perform in an ensemble setting with the use of Grid
Notation
• Students have experience in various music elements such as melodic
shape, scales, harmony and virtual instruments through the
participation in e-Orch
Procedures
1. Have students form in groups of four and decide an artistic goal
which is agreed by the group members. Teacher observe the
discussion and give guidance.
2. Have students create a harmonic framework such as ||: C - Am - F -
G :|| , ||: C - G - Am - Em - F - C - F - G :||. Try out the chords with
the use of virtual instruments in GarageBand and make necessary
revision until all the members endorse.
3. Each student chooses a virtual instrument regarding the belowsuggested
setting:
a. Student one: Melodic instrument (e.g. oboe)
b. Student two: Choral instrument (e.g. smart strings)
c. Student three: Bass instrument (e.g. double bass)
d. Student four: Percussion (e.g. smart drum)
4. Connect the devices through Jamming Session in GarageBand, then
decide a tempo.
5. Have student improvise under the harmonic framework and record
the music after some practices.
6. The teacher applies the "5-‘con'" to guide students throughout the
creative process.
7. Students present their final work and evaluate by peers.
Notes to "5-‘con'" approach
The "5-‘con'" approach was developed by the author in 2019. The first
step of the approach is to conceptualise the artistic goal, which includes
appraising masterpieces, creating ideas and forming the concept. Students
are stimulated by creative composition and improvisation in class and learn
from maestros through imitation and discussion. Then, students construct the
motive and gesture of their composition in which a new sound is generated.
However, sound in itself is not the same thing as music; as such, making
sense of organised sound is essential. Giving meaning and expression to the
sound connects musical knowledge, skills, life experiences to make the sound
alive. While development provides the unity of the piece as well as appealing
musical sounds, students use contrast to create musical surprise. Finally, the
art of music-making and learning is to continue. Students refine their piece
and reflect on the creative process.
Variations
The product of this activity is not limited to the recorded track but a live
ensemble performance. Students can notate the composition in Grid Notation
or traditional five-line staff notation for practice and live performance use.
Indicator of Success
• Students are able to apply suitable music elements to serve the
artistic goal.
• Students are able to assess their peers' compositions with agreed
criteria.
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