Grade11/12s: Meet at Roy Thomson Hall at 10:30PM - Please travel with a buddy.
Click HERE for a map and instructions on TTC
Today, we will be learning about the Instruments of the Orchestra and composing a short composition using Orchestral Loops in Mixcraft.
Preparation:
Open this website from the San Francisco Symphony to learn the Instrument Families in the Orchestra: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion and the seating arrangement for each instrument.
Orchestral Composition Project
Due: At the end of class Thursday, Nov. 6.
Objectives:
- Learn the instruments of the Orchestra
- Learn to use loops in Mixcraft 6
- Use a variety of TEXTURES in your composition.
- Use Pan to represent the Seating Arrangement of the Orchestra
- Learn to use Master Effects to represent an Orchestra performing in a concert hall.
- Open Mixcraft 6 and start a New Project
- Name your project "Orchestral Composition Project" and select Build Loop and Beat Matched Music
- Open the Library tab at the bottom of the screen and Sort By: Style
- Select Orchestral from the list below. On the right, you will have a selection of loops of instruments of the orchestra. You can "Audition" the sounds by clicking the green play triangle or drag them into your Audio Tracks.
- Create a composition using each of the following instruments at least once each.
- Strings: Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp
- Woodwind: Flute
- Brass: Trumpet, French Horn
- Percussion: Snare, Bass Drum, Cymbal
- Your piece must be a minimum of 32 bars long but has no maximum length.
- TIP: In an orchestra, the strings play most of the time, while the woodwinds and brass play a little less and the percussion play the least. Not everyone can play at the same time, ALL the time. Consider using a variety of TEXTURES to create interest.
- Balance all your tracks volumes or automate volume.
- Pan your tracks to represent the seating arrangement of the orchestra found on the website above. i.e. Violins on the left, Bass on the right, etc.
- Under the Project tab, click on Master Effect : Select an Effect. Listen to each effect and choose one that makes the piece sound like it is being played in a large concert hall.
- Complete the Checklist.
- Submit a .mx6 file to the Orchestral Composition Project Folder. Ensure your name is in the title.
Video Tutorials are available for Using Loops and Using Effects
