Next Composition Task: Playing with Medieval Modes

As you will learn in completing your Medieval Factsheet (due Fri April 9), composers in the early years (we're talking pre 1500s) of music didn't use conventional notation and scales like we do today. Oh no. They used MODES.

Modes are set of groovy sounding scales that don't follow the rules of major or minor. Ms. Simmons will introduce these and talk about them a little, but you can also find more information here:
Wikipedia entry on Modes
Detailed profile of modes with musical examples
A neat lesson from Berklee College of Music if you're really interested

Your task will be to create a Medieval-esque chant using the mode of your choice. We will listen to some examples so you can get a sense for what this might sound like.

Here are some guidelines for writing your chant:
- use a vocal effect in Garage Band
- use a steady rhythm of only quarter notes with some stopping points on half or whole notes
- pick a mode and only use the notes from that mode
- be sure to start and stop on the first and fifth note of your mode only
- your chant should be at least 12 bars long
If you complete these, you'll earn a minimum mark of 15/20 or 3 or 75%.

Guidelines for enrichment:
- add parralel vocal lines underneath your original chant
- the notes you add should mostly move in the same directions as your melody
- the notes you add should be seperated from your chant by a 4th or 5th - Ms Simmons will explain this further
- you should have at least 12 bars from your original chant, plus the new added parts underneath, for a total of 24 or more
If you complete these, you can earn up to a ful 20/20 or 4++ or 100%

Here are some examples (do a YouTube search for parallel organum):
Guillaume de Machaut
Alleluia
Leonin

This composition will be shared in class on TUESDAY APRIL 13.