This assignment deals with the Rock Window as expressed by you through your reading of the power point and your viewing of the video “The History of Rock N Roll: Good Rockin’ Tonight.” Make sure you have this assignment open as you watch the video and read the power point. The video link is at the end of the power point.
Purpose: To help you focus on the video by thinking about various questions as you watch.
While watching the video, you will take notes so that you can discuss examples of each of the following ideas as presented in the “Rock Window” analysis style.
Knowledge: You will show that you are actively focused on the information given in the power point and the video on the History of Rock by answering the questions.
Skill: You will develop your abilities in active listening and focus on music as you think about these questions while you watch, listen and read.
Questions to be answered:
1. Timbre – List the descriptive words you wrote down as you listened to the various voices in the power point and video. If possible – indicate the performer’s name and then list the words for his/her voice.
2. Music – Choose two music clips from the video to talk about.
Clip one: Please name the performer and song. What is the instrumental makeup of the band? What is the rhythmic emphasis (think about back beat, syncopation, meter)? What is the vocal style/sound like (refer to your list)? Would you describe the melody as a “catchy” melody? Why or why not?
Clip two: Please name the performer and song. What is the instrumental makeup of the band? What is the rhythmic emphasis (think about back beat, syncopation, meter)? What is the vocal style/sound like (refer to your list)? Would you describe the melody as a “catchy” melody? Why or why not?
Lyrics: What is the meaning of the lyrics in the songs that you chose? What do the lyrics say about rock culture during the 50’s?
Artist History:
What comments are made during the video that show the importance of the artists’ history?
In the short video about Ritchie Valens, what connections can you make between his history, societal issues and his career? For example, what did he have to do to even get radio air time?
Societal Context:
How does youth culture change during the 50’s? Why is the change significant to the development of rock music?
Stance:
Who is your favorite performer shown in the video and why are they your favorite?
What is it about their stance that speaks to you in a positive way?
Criteria for success: Please copy and paste these question into a word dock and then answer them as you watch the video and go through the power point. Save your answers and submit them here. Please give concrete and detailed answers to the questions above. I am looking for answers that show you actively watched the video and read the power point. Have fun learning about this stage of rock music. These are “classic” rock songs.
As with all grades, an A is reserved for those responses that provide insight and go beyond the obvious; B is a very good response; a C addresses the question in a basic way.
As with all writing assignments in college – spelling, grammar, syntax, coherence, punctuation and organization are evaluated as part of your grade.