Art: Tom Slaughter, Photo: Colin Brennen

Transcription

1 Art: Tom Slaughter, Photo: Colin Brennen The New 42nd The New Street, 42ndInc. Street,1Inc.

2 welcome NEW VICTORY SCHOOL TOOL TM RESOURCE GUIDES THE NEW VICTORY THEATER The New Victory Theater is New York City s first and only full-time performing arts theater for kids, their families and classmates. Since it opened in 1995, The New Victory has quickly become an integral part of the cultural landscape in New York City, presenting a full season of adventurous multidisciplinary works from around the globe and close to home. The New Vic seeks out sophisticated, thought-provoking, professional productions that are as artistically rich as they are entertaining. The international productions on New Victory stages inform and inspire the work of the award-winning New Victory Education Program through a dynamic combination of school and public programs. Our school programs serve over 30,000 Pre-K through 12 students and teachers each season at almost no cost to the kids or their schools. Many of our partners are NYC-area Title I schools, with a high percentage of students who would be unable to experience live theater if it weren t for The New Victory. The enthusiastic young people who greet you on your way into the theater are part of the New Vic Usher Corps, a 3-year program that provides 28,000 hours of paid employment for high school and college-age youth each season. Families who attend the New Vic together pair their theater-going with New Victory Family Workshops, as well as in-theater exhibits and arts activities. Together, these nationally-recognized programs exemplify the organization s long-standing commitment to the intrinsic value of cultural participation in the lives of young people and families. NEW VICTORY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP The New Victory Education Department is committed to building impactful and long-lasting relationships with schools and after-school programs. We believe that creating strong and meaningful partnerships between schools and arts organizations allows school communities to deeply enrich their arts programs and infuse creativity across the curriculum. By annually enrolling in the unique and award-winning New Victory Education Partnership Program, schools take advantage of $2 tickets to New Victory school-time and after-school performances, free classroom workshops led by highly skilled teaching artists, in-depth resources and professional development that allow teachers to incorporate the arts into their classrooms. Available to Education Partners for every show in our season, New Victory School Tool Resource Guides provide educators with comprehensive materials that explore the artistry and key themes of each production. Filled with practical, ready-to-implement activities that allow any teacher to incorporate The New Victory into their classroom, the New Victory School Tool Resource Guides are designed to enrich the performance experience before, during and after the students trip to the theater. The New Victory TheateR 209 W 42nd street new york, ny Contact Information Education@NewVictory.org MAKING CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS New Victory School Tool Resource Guides align with the Common Core State Standards, New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. We believe that these standards support both the high quality instruction and deep engagement that The New Victory Theater strives to achieve in its arts education practice. Please be advised that the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of New Victory School Tool Resource Guides for any purpose other than educational, such as for commercial or monetary gain, may constitute copyright infringement and may be punishable by law. For more information, please contact the New Victory Theater Education Department at Education@New42.org. The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS provides teachers and students a behind-thecurtain look at the artists, the company and the art form of this production THE SHOW/COMPANY closer look where in the world THE ART FORM WHAT DO YOUR STUDENTS KNOW NOW? CREATIVITY PAGE: Charting the Charts provides teachers engaging, ready-to-implement classroom activities that explore the themes and art form of the show prior to traveling to 42nd Street. provides teachers with all of the essential information they need on the day of the performance, including easy-to-digest information about the show, trip logistics, and discussion points for the journey to the theater. This section also includes a brief student activity to be completed shortly before seeing the show (either in class or on the way to 42nd Street) Activity 1: Rhythm Circle Activity 2: Get Inspired by the Sound Creativity Page: Inner DJ INFO TO GO GET THE WHEELS TURNING HEADS UP! TRIP GUIDE CREATIVITY PAGE: The Music of the City provides teachers engaging, ready-to-implement classroom activities that offers the opportunity to reflect on and extend the experience of attending the performance. provides students and teachers innovative ideas on ways to amplify the impact of the performance experience outside of the classroom PERFORMANCE REFLECTIOn In-Classroom WORKSHOP EXTENSION CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS CREATIVITY PAGE: VIP Access to Black Violin EXTending the experience resource for FAMILIES The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 3

4 This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM Resource Guide. For the complete guide, including information about the New Victory Education Department check out: newvictoryschooltools.org inside black violin THE SHOW/COMPANY closer look where in the world THE ART FORM WHAT DO YOUR STUDENTS KNOW NOW? CREATIVITY PAGE: Charting the Charts WHAT IS BLACK VIOLIN? provides teachers and students a behind-the-curtain look at the artists, the company and the art form of this production. Utilize this resource to learn more about the artists on the New Victory stage, how far they ve traveled and their inspiration for creating this show. In addition to information that will enrich your students experience at the theater, you will find a Creativity Page as a handout to build student anticipation around their trip to The New Victory. Photos: Colin Brennen MAKING CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS New Victory School Tool Resource Guides align with the Common Core State Standards, New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. We believe that these standards support both the high quality instruction and deep engagement that The New Victory Theater strives to achieve in its arts education practice. COMMON CORE Speaking and Listening Standards: 1 NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS Arts Standards: Standard 4 English Language Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 BLUEPRINT FOR THE ARTS Music Standards: Developing Music Literacy; Making Connections The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 4

5 inside black violin THE SHOW/COMPANY closer look where in the world THE ART FORM WHAT DO YOUR STUDENTS KNOW NOW? CREATIVITY PAGE: Charting the Charts [ BLACK VIOLIN ] = Classical Music + Jazz + Hip-Hop + R&B + Funk + Violin Virtuosity where in the world is BLACK VIOLIN from? NORTH AMERICA X ATLANTIC OCEAN Virtuoso violinists Kev and Wil B are back on the New Victory stage once again to raise the roof sky-high with their funky fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop, blues and R&B. With DJ TK on the turntables, Beatdown on the drums and David Gotay on cello, they create a unique fusion of classical music and contemporary hip-hop which defies genres and gets the audience dancing in their seats through booming new beats, classic favorites and surprising pop covers. The musicians of BLACK VIOLIN smash musical stereotypes and enthrall lovers of Bach, Beyoncé, and everything in between. They inspire kids across the country to get fired up about classical music proving that their hearts are as big and soulful as their sound. A raucous, rousing, genre-busting performance that dares the audience to get up and dance Time Out New York Kids PACIFIC OCEAN SOUTH AMERICA FLORIDA closer look at BLACK VIOLIN Here are a few facts about BLACK VIOLIN to familiarize you with the show and build excitement around your upcoming visit: BLACK VIOLIN is returning to the New Victory after playing sold out houses in The group name BLACK VIOLIN is derived from the influence of a famous jazz violinist, Stuff Smith; six months before Smith s death, he recorded a solo album entitled Black Violin. The duo decided to name their group after the music of the most inspiring violinist they had ever heard. Neither Kev nor Wil B wanted to play the violin when they first started Kev s mother put him in a music class to keep him out of trouble, and Wil wound up in an orchestra class at school by mistake. In 2005, BLACK VIOLIN won Showtime at the Apollo. In the same year they opened for and performed with Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), The Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Nas, 50 Cent, T-Pain, P Diddy, and Alicia Keys. BLACK VIOLIN recently played at the 2012 US Open in Flushing, Queens. Miami, FL MIAMI Kev Marcus and Wil B currently hail from Miami, Florida. Miami has served as an inspiration to countless musicians, from U2 to Will Smith. South Florida has been the starting place for many famous rappers including Rick Ross, Ace Hood, Plies, Trina, Cool & Dre, Flo Rida, Jacki-O, and Stack$. X The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 5

6 inside black violin THE SHOW/COMPANY closer look where in the world THE ART FORM WHAT DO YOUR STUDENTS KNOW NOW? CREATIVITY PAGE: Charting the Charts THE ART FORM VIOLIN The violin is a four-stringed instrument traditionally held in place between the chin and the shoulder and played with a bow. The violin derived from Arabic string instruments centuries ago, however, the name violin was first developed in the 1500s in Europe. Since that time, the instrument has undergone many aesthetic transformations. By the 19th century, it settled into the shape and design we recognize today, although the quality of sound produced from each new model is ever-changing. To most people, classical, jazz and hip-hop are mere musical genres. But to the revolutionary BLACK VIOLIN, they are ingredients for their signature sound. Here is a bit more background about the musical genres that inspire BLACK VIOLIN. ORIGIN FACTS CLASSICAL 1750 An art form that has its roots in Christian liturgical music and Ancient Greek tones and scales. It was documented with musical notation so that it could be remembered and preserved. JAZZ A hybrid art form of music that fuses African rhythms, American blues, European chamber music and the more complex elements of pop music, such as shifting time signatures and melodies. HIP-HOP 1920 s 1970 s An art form that originated in the Bronx as a means of self-expression. The Sugar Hill Gang released the first ever commercial rap recording in 1979, Rapper s Delight. Until this time, hip-hop was never recorded or sold commercially. WHAT DO YOUR STUDENTS KNOW NOW? Prior to exploring BLACK VIOLIN with your students, find out how much they already know about different genres of music. Use the Prior Knowledge questions below, and the Creativity Page handout (next page) to get a sense of your students understanding of the art forms and themes in the show. You may be surprised by how much they know already, and in the process of exploring these areas, you ll spark their curiosity to see the show and enhance their anticipation for the trip. Do you play an instrument? If you could play an instrument which one would it be? What is your favorite kind of music? Does music inspire you? How does it make you feel? What comes to mind when you hear the word: violin? Concert? Have you ever been to a live music concert? Who was playing? How did the audience react during the concert? ESSENCE Classical music has been noted for its development of highly sophisticated forms of instrumental music. These include the concerto, the symphony, and the sonata. Improvisation is a major component of jazz, more so than in any other form of popular music, and musicians often start a tune with only a key and time signature from the bandleader. Rhythmic vocal style of rap and a mixture of backing beats. PROMINENT MUSICIANS Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Run DMC, DJ Kool Herc, OutKast, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, Kanye West Photo: Colin Brennen The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 6

7 CHARTING THE CHARTS Investigate the history of music, through the people you know. What has changed? What has stayed the same? See how much information you can gather with your ears. Interview 3 different people who are older than you are (older siblings, parents, grandparents, teachers and friends). Try to choose 3 people of completely different ages. Ask them this set of questions, and record the interviews: Name: 1. What was your favorite musical artist or song when you were my age? 2. What was the first concert you saw live? Age: 3. What kind of device did you use to listen to music with when you were my age? 4. If you had to think of a song that inspires you the most, what would it be? Name: 1. What was your favorite musical artist or song when you were my age? 2. What was the first concert you saw live? Age: 3. What kind of device did you use to listen to music with when you were my age? 4. If you had to think of a song that inspires you the most, what would it be? Name: 1. What was your favorite musical artist or song when you were my age? 2. What was the first concert you saw live? Age: 3. What kind of device did you use to listen to music with when you were my age? 4. If you had to think of a song that inspires you the most, what would it be? BONUS: Try to listen to all of the favorite artists or songs that were mentioned in the interviews. Do you like any of them, too? How are they different from popular music today? What is the same?

8 This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM Resource Guide. For the complete guide, including information about the New Victory Education Department check out: newvictoryschooltools.org before black violin Rhythm Circle Get Inspired by the Sound Creativity Page: Inner DJ WHAT IS BLACK VIOLIN? provides teachers engaging, ready-to-implement classroom activities that explore the themes and art form of the show prior to travelling to 42nd Street. Utilize this tool in order to integrate the content of the production into your curriculum in a hands-on experiential way, while building student anticipation and overall impact for the upcoming performance. This section also includes Creativity Pages that provide students the opportunity to personally connect to the show content. Photos: Colin Brennen MAKING CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS New Victory School Tool Resource Guides align with the Common Core State Standards, New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. We believe that these standards support both the high quality instruction and deep engagement that The New Victory Theater strives to achieve in its arts education practice. COMMON CORE Writing Standards: 3 Speaking and Listening Standards: 1 Language Standards: 3 NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS Arts Standards: Standard 1, Standard 4 English Language Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 BLUEPRINT FOR THE ARTS Music Standards: Music Making; Making Connections The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 8

9 before black violin Rhythm Circle Get Inspired by the Sound Creativity Page: Inner DJ ACTIVITY 1: RHYTHM CIRCLE The goal of this activity is to explore different rhythms and how they work together to create original music. Part I: Exploring Rhythm and Noise 1. Seat your class in a circle. As a class, create a repeating beat. 2. Now, over the beat, ask a student to offer a rhythm made with their hands, voice, or other parts of their body. Ask half the class to join that rhythm while the rest of the class maintains the beat. 3. Next, explain that, as a class, each student will add a repeating sound or rhythm on top of the beat to create one rhythmic track. 4. Pick one of your students to start the beat of your original song. 5. Gradually, either by going around in the circle or by calling on the students when they are ready, have one student at a time add on to the beat with a new, repetitive sound. This sound can be made with either their bodies (hands, feet, etc.), or voices. The different sounds should complement one another, building off the same beat. 6. Repeat this activity as many times as you would like and record the different songs you improvise! (*Share these songs with The New Victory! Send the sound files to education@new42.org). 7. Reflect on the music you created as a class. Part II: Conducting 1. Tell your class that you will now take on the role of conductor! 2. Tell the class to recall the rhythm and noises that they just made to create the last piece. Now, you will conduct them as if each of those rhythms and noises is an instrument in the symphony. 3. When conducting, you decide which students will make their individual noise at any moment by pointing at them to begin or by signaling for them to stop. You can bring up multiple instruments to play at once. 4. You can also create hand signals to suggest that students raise the volume of their instrument or make it softer. 5. Now, allow a student to conduct. Allow him or her time to explore the musical piece however he or she wishes. He or she should play with different combinations of sounds to hear how the musical piece can change. 6. Repeat this activity with each new musical piece and switch conductors! REFLECTION How were we able to create a song as a class? Were you able to distinguish the different instruments in the piece or did it blend? What did you most enjoy about creating a piece of music as an ensemble? Photo: Colin Brennen How did the piece change with a conductor? The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 9

10 before black violin Rhythm Circle Get Inspired by the Sound Creativity Page: Inner DJ ACTIVITY 2: GET INSPIRED BY THE SOUND Many artists incorporate the music that has come before them into their own work. This can include sampling computer generated beats or using existing songs as inspiration. BLACK VIOLIN was inspired by the hip-hop music they grew up listening to and they incorporated it into their artistry. In this activity, your students will have the opportunity to use music to inspire their writing. 1. Choose a piece of music to play (see teacher instruction). 2. Break your students into small groups. 3. Ask the students to close their eyes and listen to the piece of music you play. After listening, brainstorm any thoughts, ideas or feelings that come to mind when listening to the music. Use these questions to guide the brainstorm: What images come to mind? What instruments do you hear in this song? What are three different words you would use to describe this song? How did you feel when you were listening to it? Where and when do you think this song should be played? If you could taste this song, what would it taste like? If this song were a color, what color would it be? If this song were an animal, what animal would it be? 4. Based on the brainstorm and the music, ask the students to create a short poem or rap. Use the words and images from the brainstorm to construct their creation. 5. Ask your students to read their poems or rap lyrics aloud. Teacher INSTRUCTION You will need a selection of songs for your students to listen to and be inspired by for this activity. You can use classical music, or ask for suggestions from the student interviews conducted in the CHARTING THE CHARTS activity in the Section of this New Victory SCHOOL TOOL Resource Guide. EXTENSION Pair students up and ask them to find a way to mash-up or fuse their two poems together. How can they make one piece of art out of their two creations? How do you think this is similar to the way that BLACK VIOLIN creates their music? REFLECTION What did you notice about the other poems or lyrics? What connections did you see between each of them and the song that inspired them? How is original art created from the inspiration we get from other art forms and styles? The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 10

11 åinner DJ Complete the sentences below to discover your Inner DJ. The most played song on my ipod/ computer is My least favorite band and/or song is The musical artist I would do anything to perform with is The musical artist I most want to see perform live is If I wrote a song about my life the title would be My favorite song to dance to is The last song I played on my ipod/ computer was When you are finished, pass off your creativity sheet to three of your classmates and have them recommend music to you based on your interests. HUMAN SHUFFLE: Based on the answers above, what new songs and/or musical artists would you most recommend for your classmate? Recommendation #1: Recommendation #2: Recommendation #3:

12 This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM Resource Guide. For the complete guide, including information about the New Victory Education Department check out: newvictoryschooltools.org en route black violin INFO TO GO GET THE WHEELS TURNING HEADS UP! Trip Guide Creativity Page: The Music of the City WHAT IS TO BLACK VIOLIN? provides teachers with all of the essential information they need on the day of the performance, including easy-to-digest information about the show, trip logistics and discussion points for the journey to the theater. This section also includes a brief student activity to be completed shortly before seeing the show (either in class or on the way to 42nd Street) that will enhance engagement during the performance. Photos: Colin Brennen MAKING CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS New Victory School Tool Resource Guides align with the Common Core State Standards, New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. We believe that these standards support both the high quality instruction and deep engagement that The New Victory Theater strives to achieve in its arts education practice. COMMON CORE Speaking and Listening Standards: 1 NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS Arts Standards: Standard 4 English Language Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 BLUEPRINT FOR THE ARTS Music Standards: Making Connections The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 12

13 en route black violin INFO TO GO GET THE WHEELS TURNING HEADS UP! Trip Guide Creativity Page: The Music of the City Provide this resource to all teachers and chaperones attending the show! DESTINATION BLACK VIOLIN is a one of a kind concert experience in which virtuoso violinists Kev Marcus and Wil B (along with their DJ TK, drummer Beatdown, and cellist David Gotay) blend hip-hop, classical, funk, blues, and jazz music to create a sound that will have you dancing in your seats! Heads Up BLACK VIOLIN plays an energetic, dynamic concert. The performers will interact with the audience and all are welcomed to make noise, sing along, and dance in their seats! INFO TO GO BLACK VIOLIN is an American music group from Florida, featuring two classically trained string instrumentalists Kev Marcus and Wil B. They integrate jazz, hip-hop, R&B, funk, and classical music in a cutting edge approach, blending the classical with the modern. In 2005, BLACK VIOLIN won Showtime at the Apollo a legendary music television show that features live performances from both professional and up-and-coming artists. In the same year they opened for and performed with Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), The Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Nas, 50 Cent, T-Pain, P Diddy, and Alicia Keys. BLACK VIOLIN recently played at the 2012 US Open in Flushing, Queens. BLACK VIOLIN recently released a new album titled Classically Trained. Check it out! GET THE WHEELS TURNING QUESTIONS TO ASK STUDENTS ON THE WAY TO THE THEATER 1. Have you ever been to a live concert before? What was it like? 2. Have you listened to any classical music before? If so, did you like it? Why or why not? 3. What about hip-hop, R&B, or jazz? Why did you like or not like those musical genres? 4. If you could combine or remix two different songs, which would you choose? 5. What kind of music inspires you? The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 13

14 en route black violin INFO TO GO GET THE WHEELS TURNING HEADS UP! Trip Guide Creativity Page: The Music of the City TRIP GUIDE 46 th St. YOU LEAVE SCHOOL: We advise you to LEAVE ALL BAGS AND LUNCHES at school, if possible. If not, bags will be collected by the New Victory staff and stored during the performance. ARRIVAL: Plan to arrive at your New Victory Theater venue at least 30 minutes before curtain time. The building opens 45 minutes prior to curtain (i.e. 10:15 am for an 11:00 am performance). If you realize that your group is running late, please contact the theater DIRECTLY at If you will be arriving by bus, please ensure that your driver drops your group off on the north side of 42 nd Street between 7 th and 8 th Avenues. 9 th Avenue 45 th St. 44 th St. 43 rd St. 42 nd St. Port Authority 39 th St. 8 th Avenue Broadway The New Victory 7 th Avenue Times Square The Duke on 42 nd Street and the New 42 nd Street Studios 6 th Avenue Bryant Park A member of our House Staff and our Education Staff will check in with the group leader and record your group size. If you arrive by bus, staff will meet with your bus driver to record your bus number, direct him/her to parking and confirm your pick-up time. This enables the House Staff to notify you when your bus returns. Due to the volume of traffic on 42 nd Street, no group should unload its bus before checking in with a New Vic staff member. THE QUESTION OF LUNCH: New Victory Theater venues are not equipped to host lunch/snacks. In the early autumn and spring months, nearby Bryant Park (42 nd Street at 6 th Avenue) offers a pleasant place for lunching, and there are also public restroom facilities. SEATING: In order to make your experience at the theater as efficient and safe as possible, you will not be issued tickets. Your group will be assigned seats in advance by the Education Department. Your seating assignment will not be available prior to the performance. If you have any questions, please contact the Education Department at: Education@ New42.org. ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair seating must be requested in advance at the time of the ticket request. Subject to availability. Assisted listening devices are available for patrons who have hearing impairments. The New Victory Theater is located at 209 West 42 nd Street. The Duke on 42nd Street and the New 42nd Street Studios are both at 229 West 42 nd Street. BY MTA, SUBWAY OR BUS 1/2/3, N/R/Q/W, 7 Exit the station at 42 nd Street/7 th Avenue. When you come out of the turnstile, take the stairs to your right. All New Victory venues are directly to the west of the subway station. A/C/E to Port Authority Exit at 42 nd Street/8 th Avenue. Walk to 42 nd Street, turn east, and continue walking until you arrive at the New Victory venues. B/D/F/V Exit at 42 nd Street/6 th Avenue. Walk west on 42 nd Street until you come to 7 th Avenue. The venues are on the north side of the street at 7 th Avenue, next to the subway station. The M10, M16, M27, M42, M104 buses all stop within one block of the venues. BY SCHOOL BUS The venues are on the north side of the street. It is best to turn onto 42 nd Street from 7 th Avenue so students can unload in front of the theater. Buses are not allowed to idle/park on 42 nd Street, however bus parking is available at: West 44 th Street (north side), between 10 th and 12 th Ave. West 45 th Street (south side), between 11 th and 12 th Ave. 11 th Avenue (both sides), between 39 th and 40 th St. Upon return, a New Vic staff member will help coordinate bus parking on 42 nd Street. The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 14

15 THE MUSIC OF THE CITY Write down all the music you hear and see on your way to The New Victory Theater. What sounds do you hear during your trip? Do you hear the sound of honking horns? Do you hear someone on their cell phone? Also think about what you see that is musical on your way to the city. What musical billboards do you pass by? Do you see anyone performing on the subway or on the streets? Document all your findings in the space below! MUSIC POSTERS OR BILLBOARDS I see MUSIC I HEAR SOUNDS I HEAR ALONG THE WAY IF MY RIDE TO THE THEATER HAD A SOUNDTRACK, THESE SONGS WOULD BE ON IT

16 This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM Resource Guide. For the complete guide, including information about the New Victory Education Department check out: newvictoryschooltools.org after black violin Performance Reflection In-Classroom Workshop Extension: Genre Generation Classroom Connections: Remix the Curriculum Creativity Page: VIP Access to Black Violin WHAT IS BLACK VIOLIN? provides teachers engaging, ready-to-implement classroom activities that offer the opportunity to reflect on and extend the experience of attending the performance. Actively reflect on the performance, make connections to your curriculum, and follow up on the New Victory classroom workshop, using this tool to increase the impact of the theater-going experience. This section also includes Creativity Pages that provide students the opportunity to individually reflect on and develop an aesthetic response to the show content. Photos: Colin Brennen Photos: Sandra C. Roa MAKING CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS New Victory School Tool Resource Guides align with the Common Core State Standards, New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. We believe that these standards support both the high quality instruction and deep engagement that The New Victory Theater strives to achieve in its arts education practice. COMMON CORE Speaking and Listening Standards: 1, 4 Language Standards: 3 NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 English Language Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 BLUEPRINT FOR THE ARTS Music Standards: Music Making; Making Connections; Developing Music Literacy The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 16

17 after black violin Performance Reflection In-Classroom Workshop Extension: Genre Generation Classroom Connections: Remix the Curriculum Creativity Page: VIP Access to Black Violin PERFORMANCE REFLECTION Following your trip to the New Victory, you may find that your students want to discuss and share their own opinions of the performance. Reflecting on the show and voicing an aesthetic response is an important part of the live performance experience. Allowing your students the opportunity to articulate their own thoughts and hear the ideas of their classmates will increase the impact of the theater experience. 1. Provide students (either as one large group or in small groups) with large pieces of paper. Draw an image of an ipod on each (see example). 2. On the inside of the ipod screen, ask students to write or draw words/images they remember from the performances they saw; on the outside of the screen, ask the students to write feelings/ opinions they had about seeing the performance. 3. Once the students have offered their reflections on the paper, display the various pages around the room, and ask the students to take a gallery walk to look at all of the responses. 4. As a full class, reflect on their responses. Teacher Tip Engaging in dialogue, asking questions and recalling observation are skills that we believe should be fostered and encouraged. When leading a performance reflection discussion, try the following model of critical response: Describe (I saw ) Analyze (I wonder ) Interpret (I think/feel ) Evaluate (I believe ) EXAMPLEå 5. If you have taken your class to other performances this year, ask your students how their experience at BLACK VIOLIN was different than their visit to the other performances. MENU The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 17

18 after black violin Performance Reflection In-Classroom Workshop Extension: Genre Generation Classroom Connections: Remix the Curriculum Creativity Page: VIP Access to Black Violin IN-CLASSROOM WORKSHOP EXTENSION Genre Generation 1. In the New Victory Pre-Show Workshop, students explored the distinctions between the genres of classical, jazz and hip-hop music. 2. In small groups, ask students to brainstorm a list of all of the musical genres they can think of in addition to the three above (e.g. country, funk, swing, etc.). 3. Ask your students to write a list of adjectives under each genre. The following activity will allow you to build on the musical style skills and ensemble work explored in the New Victory Pre-Show Workshop* for BLACK VIOLIN. (*Did you book an in-classroom workshop led by New Victory Teaching Artists? This is a FREE and highly recommended component of your partnership with the New Victory. For more information, please contact the Education Department at education@newvictory.org.) 4. Once they have created this list, ask them to draw lines connecting any of the genres they feel have something in common, and write a small description of that connection. 5. If you have the technology resources in your classroom, ask students to find a song that matches each of the genres they ve brainstormed. 6. Now, it is their chance to create a brand new sound. Ask the students to imagine creating a new genre of music that incorporates three of the genres on their list. 7. Ask the students to come up with a name for the new genre and write a description of the sound using adjectives from their lists (e.g. this new genre of music has the beat of funk with the soulfulness of country mixed with the pulse of electronica). 8. Finally, ask students to create a 30-second commercial clip performance advertising this new type of music to a wider audience. How would they describe it? How would they get people excited about it? Are there any popular artists they imagine collaborating with to create this sound? Encourage them to be as creative as possible! 9. Allow the students to perform their commercials and present their genres to each other. 10. Following the commercials, ask the students: Which genres were you excited to hear? Which genres surprised you? How do you think musical genres are created? The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 18

19 after black violin Performance Reflection In-Classroom Workshop Extension: Genre Generation Classroom Connections: Remix the Curriculum Creativity Page: VIP Access to Black Violin CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS Remix the Curriculum This activity will explore the sound and music that this show offers and connect it to your ELA curriculum. Create a soundtrack for your curriculum. 1. Either in small groups or as a full class, choose a book you are currently reading, or a period in history that you are studying. 2. Break down the plot of the book or the event in history into 5 distinct events. 3. Write a small description for each of the events: What happens in that section? What is the feeling of that section? What images or sounds does it evoke? 4. Now, get creative. Choose a popular song that in some way matches the feel or mood, or relates in some way to that section (e.g. Studying the French Revolution? What about Satisfaction?) 5. Find a song that works for each of the events. 6. Try to find all of these songs, and listen to them as a class! Did you discover anything new about the book or historical event that you didn t see before? 7. Send us your playlists and the book or historical event that inspired them at education@new42.org. We ll share them on our social media platforms! BONUS: Create a specific playlist for a character in a book! What would this character listen to if he or she had access to a CD player or ipod? Use this activity for character analysis. The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 19

20 VIP Access to BLACK VIOLIN Have you ever wanted to meet your favorite band? What would you ask them? Imagine you ve been given an exclusive VIP pass to go backstage with BLACK VIOLIN. What would you say about their show? If you could request any other songs for them to cover with their signature sound, what songs would you request? If you could get an exclusive interview with Kev and Wil B, what 5 questions would you ask them? *Send this page to New Victory Education and we will make sure that Kev and Wil B get it. We will do our best to get your questions answered. Who knows, maybe your song requests will make it into their next show!

21 This section is part of a full New Victory School Tool TM Resource Guide. For the complete guide, including information about the New Victory Education Department check out: newvictoryschooltools.org beyond black violin EXTending the experience resource for FAMILIES WHAT IS BLACK VIOLIN? provides students and teachers innovative ideas on ways to amplify the impact of the performance experience outside of the classroom. Utilize this resource for suggestions on using the performance as a springboard into building a more extensive unit plan, enriching the larger school community, and making connections to the art form of the show in the greater cultural landscape. This section also includes a handout for your students families, providing information about their trip to The New Victory and offering ways they can continue the impact of the theater-going experience. Photos: Photos: Colin Sandra Brennen C. Roa MAKING CONNECTIONS TO LEARNING STANDARDS New Victory School Tool Resource Guides align with the Common Core State Standards, New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. We believe that these standards support both the high quality instruction and deep engagement that The New Victory Theater strives to achieve in its arts education practice. COMMON CORE Speaking and Listening Standards: 1 NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 English Language Arts Standards: Standard 1; Standard 4 BLUEPRINT FOR THE ARTS Music Standards: Music Making; Making Connections; Working with Community and Cultural Resources The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 21

22 beyond black violin EXTending the experience resource for FAMILIES EXTENDING THE EXPERIENCE BLACK VIOLIN is a one of a kind concert experience in which virtuoso violinists Kev Marcus and Wil B (along with their DJ TK, drummer Beatdown, and cellist David Gotay) blend hip-hop, classical, funk, blues, and jazz music to create a sound that will have you dancing in your seats! Allow your students to further explore music through these larger projects. 1. SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR SCHOOL Using the activities in this New Victory School Tool Resource Guide, leave your classroom and connect with other classrooms in the school to increase the impact of the performance. Take the CHARTING THE CHARTS template from the Section, and allow your students to interview other students in the school. What trends do they find in music tastes across the school? You can also use the REMIX THE CURRICULUM activity from the section to create a soundtrack for your school- if you were to describe your school through music, in 5-10 songs, what would they be? Using these activities and casting a wider net will provide a new understanding of your school community for your students through the lens of this production. CLASSROOM CULTURE Performance Scrapbook Wall Are you seeing multiple performances with your students this year? Whether you are taking your students to more shows at the New Victory, or coordinating field trips to other performances, create a Performance Scrapbook Wall in your classroom to record their experiences and keep it as a living scrapbook that you can add to over the course of the year. Include activities created from the School Tool, pictures from your trip, and other work you may do that is inspired by the show. You may consider using the Performance Reflection Template (found in the section of this School Tool). This way, students can continue to make connections between the performance and their class work over the year, as well as make connections between the different performances they see this year! 2. MASH-UP MEDLEY Does your school have a music department? An orchestra? A chorus? Collaborate to put on a school concert that celebrates the idea of mash-up or fusion. Encourage the music teacher in your school to extend the experience of the show by allowing the students in those in-school or after-school programs to create a mash-up of two songs or pieces of music. 3. ATTEND ANOTHER MUSICAL EVENT AS A CLASS Whether it is a school concert or a classical music event as another field trip, try to have another (and preferably very different) live music experience with your class. In addition to providing a second cultural opportunity, this will allow your students the opportunity to compare their impressions about these two events and increase their aesthetic growth. The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG 22

23 Your child s class saw a performance called BLACK VIOLIN at The New Victory Theater on 42nd Street, New York s theater for kids and families. BLACK VIOLIN creates a unique fusion of classical music and contemporary hip-hop which defies genres and gets the audience dancing in their seats through booming new beats, classic favorites and surprising pop covers. They inspire kids across the country to get fired up about classical music proving that their hearts are as big and soulful as their sound. RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES To extend the experience, you may consider some of the following suggestions:? Have a conversation about their trip to the theater. Talking about live performance is an important part of your kid s learning, and it deepens and extends the original experience. Engaging in dialogue, asking questions and recalling observations are skills that you can help foster! You might ask: What was it like to take a trip to Times Square? What did you see? What kind of music was performed in the show? Did you recognize any of it? Were you surprised by the way Kev and Wil B played the violin? Why? Did seeing the show make you want to play an instrument?! Create a playlist for each other. You might think that you and your kid have very different musical tastes (and you may be right). Take this chance to learn more about what they listen to, and share with them what you listen to (or even what you listened to at their age!). Create a playlist of your five favorite songs for each other and take a listen. Then, have a conversation about what you heard. Were there any similarities or unexpected cross-over? Were there any songs you really liked or appreciated, despite the fact that they are very different from your personal tastes? Learn more about the arts together! Did the trip to the theater spark your kid s interest in making music? Take a class together! The New Victory offers opportunities for you and your child to make art, learn, share and play as a family. For information on New Victory Family Workshops, visit NewVictory.org or call Our partners Time Out New York Kids and RedRover (a brand new app designed to help you make plans on the fly!) list family activities of all kinds across the city. Check them out at timeoutnewyorkkids.com and redroverapp.com. The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORY.ORG

24 sources black violin Sources: The New VICTORY THEATER / NEWVICTORYSCHOOLTOOLS.ORG