Hi Everybody,
On Thursday, 12/15, we'll hear the remaining Sports presentations, and then we'll launch into our new theme of Music. Some of us like making music, and almost all of us love listening to music, and I'm sure that on Thursday, everyone will have something to share with us about this universal theme!
Then, on Sunday, 12/18, we'll be meeting for our special class potluck.
The following week, on 12/22, I'd like to open up the floor for special presentations on any topic you'd like to talk about! I've learned so much from all of you this semester; I hope you'll take this opportunity to share with us about something that you love, or a unique experience that you've had, or an idea or happening that you feel is important, or any topic at all that interests you!
To get you excited about our topic on 12/15, here are a couple of inspiring music-related videos from T.E.D. (http://www.ted.com/)! (If you like, you can turn on the "Chinese (Traditional)" subtitles in the box at the bottom of the box.)
The first presentation is given by a drummer who happens to be deaf!:
Evelyn Glennie Shows How to Listen
"In this soaring demonstration, deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie illustrates how listening to music involves much more than simply letting sound waves hit your eardrums." 32 min 12 sec
and the second presentation is by a man who believes that classical music is for everyone:
Benjamin Zander on Music and Passion
"Benjamin Zander has two infectious passions: classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it -- and by extension, our untapped love for all new possibilities, new experiences, new connections." 20 min 47 sec
If you'd like to read about music, here's an article about the many benefits of listening to music:
"How Music Affects Us and Promotes Health"
Finally, below is a brainstorm on the topic of music, if you're still looking for a topic for your presentation:
* a description of your favorite tune/piece
* the lyrics and meaning of your favorite song
* the life story of your favorite musician or singer or composer
* music therapy (health benefits of music!)
* experiences making music (singing, playing an instrument)
* experiences listening to music (concerts, cds!)
* music and dance
* perfect pitch
* music and the brain
* music's effects on plants! :D
* Taiwan's traditional music
* the traditional music of another culture
* folk music from various countries
* songs children sing
* Taiwanese opera
* classical Chinese music
* tell a musical story: such as the Phantom of the Opera, or Swan Lake...
* introduce an instrument: the recorder, or the hurdy-gurdy, or the banjo, or the tabla, or the erhu, or the guzhen! :D ... or any instrument!
* introduce a type of music: jazz; bluegrass; reggae; opera; etc.
* music and history (wartime songs; songs from Taiwan's Japanese era; songs from ancient China)
* music and technology (new ways to listen to music and to create music)
I'm bringing my instruments and we will experience music firsthand by making it together!
Sincerely, Abbie
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