Mr. Wie's OCHSA Classes
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If you have questions or need help on anything email: ochsa@solscope.com
This page was last updated on: Saturday, 19 May 2007

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School year: 2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2004


 

Concert Orchestra (grades 9-12)

This ensemble meets Tue Block 7, Thu Block 7/8 in SH-Small Rehearsal Room.
Download: Syllabus [PDF]

 

Concert No. 1 - Saturday, 4 November 2006, 7:30pm, Symphony Hall

W.A. Mozart - Overture to The Magic Flute
Franz Joseph Haydn - Symphony No. 100 "Military"
Students: Listening Assignment

Concert No. 2 - 25 January 2007, 7:30pm, Symphony Hall

W.A. Mozart - Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Antonin Dvorak - Slavonic Dance No. 8
Jean Sibelius (arr. Vernon Leidig) - Symphony No. 2 Finale

 Concert No. 3 - 23 May 2007, 7:30pm, Symphony Hall

Franz Joseph Haydn - Symphony No. 104 "London"
W.A. Mozart - Adagio in C Major
J.S. Bach - "Little" Fugue in G Minor
Robert Smith - Into the Storm
Maurice Ravel - Pavane (with Junior Conservatory Strings)



 


 

String Masterclass (grades 9-12)

This class meets Wednesday, Block 8 in room 305.
Download: Syllabus [PDF]

*Semester One: Chamber Music

Semester Two: Bowing Techniques/Rhythmic Training

 

 

 

Music and Media (grades 11/12)

This class meets Monday, Block 8 in room 200.
Download: Syllabus [PDF]

Unit One - Copyright in the Digital Age

Weekly Assignment #1
Due by 11:59pm, Sunday 28 January 2007.
Article: 'Illegal' MP3 Site Defends Itself (BBC News)
Question: Based on your understanding of digital music distribution from today's lecture, what is your opinion regarding the legal challenges to allofmp3.com's online sales of digital music? What are the technology issues involved that make the application of traditional copyright law complicated?

Weekly Assignment #2
 Due by 11:59pm, Sunday 4 February 2007.
Article: Is DRM Good or Bad for Consumers? (InfoWorld)
Article: DRM: The Good, Bad, and The Ugly (PDF)
Question: Having the read the two articles above, what is your opinion regarding the use of Digital Rights Management technology in consumer products? Do you think there is a "good" way to implement DRM such that the rights of copyright holders are protected and consumers still maintain their fair use rights? If DRM is not a solution, can you propose one?

Weekly Assignment #3
Due by 11:59pm, Sunday 11 February 2007
Based on your reading which was handed out in class this past Monday, answer the following questions: What security issues related to computer use arise as a result of the  the installation of Sony's "Root Kit?" Do you feel that DRM of this sort is appropriate in order to protect the rights of content owners? Why or why not? How do you think controversies of this sort affect music sales? Would you buy music with this sort of DRM on it?

SPRING BREAK ASSIGNMENT

Please read the following articles (one was presented in class):

Article #1: Broadway Electronic Music Controversy
Article #2: Musicians Fight Virtual Orchestras
Article #3: OrchExtra!
Article #4: Virtual Orchestra (Wikipedia)

In short essay form (400-800 words) please answer all the following questions completely, in detail. You need not answer them one-by-one, one or two large paragraphs that cover all the relevant material will be acceptable. This paper is the summary of our class discussions regarding issues in music technology over the past two months.

1. What are "virtual orchestras?" What sorts of technological innovations have come into existence that allow them to be useful in artistic productions?
2. What is the major issue that the music unions have with the use of "virtual orchestras" in musical theatre productions? In your opinion, is there a solution that does not characterize this technology as a problem? Why or why not?
3. Based in your experience with music technology to date, do you expect that computer-generated sound will eventually replace live musicians to the degree that the average non-musician will not be able to tell the difference?
4. Finally, does this issue matter to you? Is it something you care about? Why should we care about this at all? (There is not a wrong answer to this question!)

You will be graded on having strongly supported arguments, presenting your answer in a clear and easily-understood format, and demonstrate an understanding of the major technology concepts discussed. Spelling and grammar are important to the degree that I must be able to understand what you are writing. If there are terms in here you are unfamiliar with, please email me so that I may explain them to you.

The due date for this assignment is Monday, April 23rd at the beginning of class. You may submit your paper electronically by email, or in hard copy in class. There will be no exceptions to the due date; if you will be missing class on Monday, April 23rd please finish your paper early and submit it by email.

 

SEMESTER TWO EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT

In a paper of approximately 300-500 words, please describe in detail the software/technology known as BitTorrent and discuss its impact on the distribution of digital media.

DUE 21 MAY 2007 - IN CLASS!

 

Unit Two - Digital Audio Editing

  • Download: Audacity Audio Editing Software [Windows]

  • Download: Audacity Audio Edting Software [Mac]

  • Link: Audacity Quick Reference (if you need help working with the software; for more comprehensive information there is a complete manual you can download on their main website above)

  • Homework

    • Download and Install Audacity

    • Download and open up this sample song: aren't you lucky? [MP3].
      Right click and select "Save As" for most of you....

    • Create a new song out of the sample by cutting/pasting/rearranging, and/or using some of the "effects" included with the program.

    • Save your work by using the "export to OGG" command in the "File" menu, and email or bring the file somehow to class.

Unit Three - Software Tools for Music Engraving