1. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] A WebQuest for 12 th Grade (Advanced Placement Music Theory) Designed by Erika Tilmant [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

2. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Born January 2, 1970, Eric Whitacre has grown into an influential band and choral composer/conductor of the 21 st century. Studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and receiving his Master’s degree from Julliard, Whitacre is probably most well known for his choral compositions. His pieces are easily recognizable by “Whitacre chords”. Whitacre also uses rhythm as an important aspect of his compositions. His pieces are known for frequent meter change and unusual rhythmic patterns. Eric Whitacre has suddenly gotten ill, and cannot remember his compositions, or what his trade mark chords are made up of. Will you help him in recovering his memory, and getting this great composer of the 21 st century back to where he left off? Bring your paper and musical knowledge as we journey into the mind of Eric Whitacre…

5. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] CATEGORY 20 15 10 R - Redo Music Score Music Score is very neat and all required elements are included: Song Title, Composer Name, Instrument, Clef Sign, Time Signature, Key Signature, and Copyright. Music score is neat. Two or less of the required elements are missing from the musical score. Music score is legible. Three to four of the required elements are mising from the musical score. Music Score is illegible and many of the required musical score elements are missing. Music Notation All notes are written neatly using proper barline placement. Most notes are written clearly using the proper barline placement. Notes are written clearly, but barline placement is often incorrect. Notes are written in a sloppy and illegible manner. Barline placement is not correct. Needs to be resubmitted. Meter and Rhythm All measures have the correct # of beats and a variety of rhythms are used. Including the use of Whole, Half, Quarter, eighth. and sixteenth notes. 85% of measures have the correct # of beats and a variety of rhythms are used. Including the use of Whole, Half, Quarter, and eighth notes. 70% of the measures have the correct # of beats. Rhythms are very basic and do not expand beyond quarter ntoes. Under half of the measure have the correct # of beats. Composition needs to be edited and resubmitted. Harmony Each measure contains at least one triad. The triads are written in a variety of formats including: root, 1st, and 2nd inversions. 85% of the measures include at least one triad and the triads are written in a variety of formats including: root, 1st, and 2nd inversions. 70% of the measures contain at least one triad. The triads are written in only the root position. Half of the measures are missing a triad. Composition needs to be edited and resubmitted. Eric Whitacre The compostition exemplifies Eric Whitacre chords. It shows the student understands his style of writing The composition shows some understanding of Eric Whitacre chords The compostions shows little understanding of Eric Whitacre chords There are no Eric Whitacre chords present in the composition.

6. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] YAY!!! You have successfully restored Eric Whitacre’s memory back to full capacity! Thanks for all your hard work and help. In doing this, you have also learned about Eric Whitacre’s life, and his compositions at a deeper level…other than…they sound pretty. You now understand “Whitacre chords” and the theory behind his compositions! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

7. Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] www.ericwhitacre.com www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Whitacre www.waltonmusic.com/whitacre.html www.identitytheory.com www.last.fm/music/Eric+Whitacre http://www.singers.com/groupimages2/EricWhitacre.jpg - picture Include a link back to The WebQuest Page and The WebQuest Slideshare Group so that others can acquire the latest version of this template and training materials.

8. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page A WebQuest for 12 th Grade (AP Music Theory) Designed by Erika Tilmant [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

9. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page This lesson was developed as part of Colorado State University’s EDUC 331 requirement of Technology in the classroom. This WebQuest was designed so AP theory students will be able to hear and apply traditional music theory to understanding Eric Whitacre’s compositions. By studying his life, listening and analyzing his compositions, they will be able to compose a short choral song that implements his style into their compositions. It is a building block for non-traditional theory, so they will be more prepared for the theory that they will encounter if/when they arrive to college theory. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

10. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page This WebQuest was developed for 12 th grade AP Music Theory students to cover the area of learning in music education. Students will need to know basic music theory. They will have had to analyze Bach Chorales and know the traditional harmonic progressions. They will also have to be familiar with Finale. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

14. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page You will know the lesson is successful when you grade and listen to their compositions. Eric Whitacre has a very unique style, and if they truly understand his harmonic progressions and “Whitacre chords” you will be able to hear it in their compositions. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion CATEGORY 20 15 10 R - Redo Music Score Music Score is very neat and all required elements are included: Song Title, Composer Name, Instrument, Clef Sign, Time Signature, Key Signature, and Copyright. Music score is neat. Two or less of the required elements are missing from the musical score. Music score is legible. Three to four of the required elements are mising from the musical score. Music Score is illegible and many of the required musical score elements are missing. Music Notation All notes are written neatly using proper barline placement. Most notes are written clearly using the proper barline placement. Notes are written clearly, but barline placement is often incorrect. Notes are written in a sloppy and illegible manner. Barline placement is not correct. Needs to be resubmitted. Meter and Rhythm All measures have the correct # of beats and a variety of rhythms are used. Including the use of Whole, Half, Quarter, eighth. and sixteenth notes. 85% of measures have the correct # of beats and a variety of rhythms are used. Including the use of Whole, Half, Quarter, and eighth notes. 70% of the measures have the correct # of beats. Rhythms are very basic and do not expand beyond quarter ntoes. Under half of the measure have the correct # of beats. Composition needs to be edited and resubmitted. Harmony Each measure contains at least one triad. The triads are written in a variety of formats including: root, 1st, and 2nd inversions. 85% of the measures include at least one triad and the triads are written in a variety of formats including: root, 1st, and 2nd inversions. 70% of the measures contain at least one triad. The triads are written in only the root position. Half of the measures are missing a triad. Composition needs to be edited and resubmitted. Eric Whitacre The compostition exemplifies Eric Whitacre chords. It shows the student understands his style of writing The composition shows some understanding of Eric Whitacre chords The compostions shows little understanding of Eric Whitacre chords There are no Eric Whitacre chords present in the composition.

16. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page It is important to not only learn about the common practice period of composition, but also about the more recent composers. It seems today most of the school time is spent on Bach, Beethoven and Mozart…I’m not saying this is a bad thing…I am a strong believer in those composers being the “building blocks” of what compositions are today. However, I also believe that we should start looking at the lives of other composers and analyzing their music to understand their take on dissonances and rhythmic patterns. Although Eric Whitacre is not the first person to explore the possibilities of “thinking outside the box”, he is the most prominent now days. Because of his recent acclimation of “fame”, studying Eric Whitacre, he life, who he studied under, where he graduated and what makes up his chords…students now will be able to become more well rounded with the new sense of theory. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

17. [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page www.ericwhitacre.com www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Whitacre www.waltonmusic.com/whitacre.html www.identitytheory.com www.last.fm/music/Eric+Whitacre http://www.singers.com/groupimages2/EricWhitacre.jpg - picture Include a link back to The WebQuest Page and The WebQuest Slideshare Group so that others can acquire the latest version of this template and training materials. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion