Next Composition Assignment: PLAYING WITH TEXTURE

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

Ms. Simmons will teach (!) a lesson on texture.
For reference, consult this Resource for Guidelines About Texture (definitions, etc):

Steps to the Assignment:

1. Write a MONOPHONIC melodic line at least 8 bars long, in C major or A minor. Start and end on the tonic/keynote.
2. Record this as a track in a GarageBand file. Call it “textureyourlastname”.
3. Write a POLYPHONIC counter-melody underneath your MONOPHONIC track. It should “fit” harmonically with your given melody - containing notes from similar chords. Total at least 8 bars.
4. Record this as a 2nd track in your GarageBand file. Copy your melody and have it go a 2nd time with the POLYPHONIC part under.
5. Write a HOMOPHONIC accompaniment part underneath your MONOPHONIC track. Use chords we have learned. Try to use mostly 2 chords per bar. Total at least 8 bars.
6. Record this as a 3rd track in your GarageBand file. Copy your melody a 3rd time and have it go a 3rd time with the HOMOPHONIC part under.
7. Make sure you properly complete a WRITTEN VERSION of the MONOPHONIC, POLYPHONIC and HOMOPHONIC parts. Ms. Simmons can help you with this.

TIMELINE:
By Fri April 10 → have written/recorded your melody
By Tues April 14 → have written/recorded your POLYPHONIC counter-melody
By Thurs April 16 → have written/recorded your HOMOPHONIC chords
By Fri April 17 → final version of all three ready for performance

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS
All of the above, plus an additional second POLYPHONIC COUNTER-MELODY.
SO: One melody, two POLYPHONIC counter-melodies, one HOMOPHONIC chord part.