Music Technology in Film Scores

Ms. Abraham, Ms. Cruciani, Ms. Heidelberger, Ms. Leppert, Mr. Mackie, and Ms. Schneider
M-F 1st hour

Required Materials:​​ Computer installed with GarageBand,

PaintMusic, and iMovie/Windows Movie Maker
Course Description:​​ Students will explore the world of film
making through the lense of a composer and sound effects editor.
Many of the most iconic films have a theme that we could begin
humming at any point. Students will be learning not only about
influential film composers but they will also get first hand
experience on creating music for their own short films. Students
will learn how to use tools such as GarageBand and iMovie and
other various forms of technology that will help bring their movie to life.

Music Content Area Purpose:​​ The expression of the human experience through sounds.

District Mission Statement:​​ Educating Our Students to Reach Their Full Potential

District Beliefs:
● Set and maintain high academic standards
● Meet the needs of all learners
● Prepare students to be contributing members of a diverse society
● Promote lifelong learning
● Provide a safe, respectful, positive learning environment
● Work in partnership with families and the community
● Manage our resources

Classroom Expectations:
● Be on time and prepared to work, learn, and participate in class daily.
● Respect yourself, others, and the environment.
● Follow classroom/school rules and procedures.
● Listen to and follow directions.

Grade Distribution:
Portfolio: 25%
Demonstrates Respect in the classroom: 10%
Classroom Assignments: 15%
Technology Quiz: 10%
Film Rough Draft: 10%
Final Film: 30%
Week Essential Question Content Standard Assessment Strategy

1 What makes music Movie MU:Cr1.1. Exit slip - list of 10 movies

essential in my life? Scores C.IIIa

2 What makes music Movie MU:Cr1.1. Exit Slip - Songs to emotions

essential in my life? Scores C.IIIa

3 What makes music Movie MU:Cr2.1. Add movie score analysis to

essential in my life? Scores C.IIIa portfolio

4 Who inspires my Movie MU:Cn10. Concept map turned in -

creativity? Composers 1.T.Ia-WI connect composers, movies,
and genres

5 Who inspires my Movie MU:Cn10. Exit slip - who can be a

creativity? Composers 1.T.Ia-WI composer

6 Who inspires my Movie MU:Cn11. Concept map continue - add

creativity? Composers 1.T.Ic-WI style and timeline, put in
portfolio

7 What is the importance Sound MU:Cn11. Classroom performance-

of small details? Effects 1.T.Ib-W create 10 sounds using the
stuff in your backpack

8 What is the importance Sound MU:Cn11. Exit slip - three questions about
of small details? Effects 1.T.Ib-W creating sound effects

9 What is the importance Sound MU:Cn11. Add 25 ways to create/use

of small details? Effects 1.T.Ib-W sound effects to portfolio

10 What tools can I use to Technology MU:Cr1.1. Add step by step technology
express myself? T.Ib-WI instructions to portfolio

11 What tools can I use to Technology MU:Cr1.1. Classroom performance-

express myself? T.Ib-WI present a 30 second sound file

12 What tools can I use to Technology MU:Cr1.1. Quiz on technology

express myself? T.Ib-WI

13 What is my role in larger Composition MU:Cr1.1. Exit Slip - composition story

contexts? T.IIIa map

14 What is my role in larger Composition MU:Cr2.1. Composition outline checked

contexts? T.IIIa off

15 What is my role in larger Composition MU:Cr2.1. Rough draft of film added to

contexts? T.IIIa portfolio
 16 Who is my audience? Review MU:Cr3.1. Peer review added to portfolio
T.IIIa

17 Who is my audience? Revise/Edit MU:Cr3.1. List of edits added to portfolio

T.IIIa

18 Who is my audience? Perform MU:Cr3.2. Performance of video at

T.IIIa Showcase Night

Modifications for Special Learners:

Differentiated learning would consist of:
● Working in partners to help organize ideas and thoughts
● Using text to speech translation apps for composing
● Receiving a shorter film length
● Provide noise canceling headphones or alternative work
spaces
● Receiving 200% of the time to work on the project
● Receiving a rough template to organize composition and
film

Description of Final Assessment:

The final assessment will be the completion of a movie with accompanied film score. It is a
compilation of activities and classroom time spent composing, directing and editing. There are
FIVE components to the project:
● Composition
○ The music (self composed in class) will be synched to the movie.
○ Music will add suspense to the movie through anticipation, climatic triumph,
crushing sadness, etc.
● Story Line
○ The story line has a beginning, climax and
resolution.
○ Characters and scenery should be defined.
○ There is a purpose to the movie. Not a cliche or
remake of a movie
● Sound Effects
○ Three on screen and three off screen sound effects
○ Little to no delay of sound to visual
● Edits/Peer Review
○ A minimum of 10 edits will be completed. Edits include: music, script, sound, etc.
● Narrative
○ Background information of composer (you!) include: school, hobbies, goals etc.
○ Piece description/inspiration: details the audience should know before hearing it
Assessment 1 2 3 4 5
Rubric for
Completed film

Composition Music did not Music Music matched Music was Music was synced
match the matched the the story only synced with with the plot line
story or was story only at at _________ the plot line and the purpose of
not present _________ and and purpose the movie the entire
stage of the _________ of the movie. time. The music
story line stage of the added suspense to
story line. the plot.

Story Line There was no There was There was There was a There was a
story line only a some shape, beginning, beginning climax
beginning or but no climax and and resolution.
climax or definition of resolution Also clear character
resolution. It beginning, development and
was climax and scenery definition.
confusing resolution

Sound Effects No sound Only on 2 or less 3 sound More than 3 on and

effect screen or off onscreen and effects on off screen sound
occurred off screen sound offscreen and off effects occurred.
screen and/or effects were sound effects screen
none present occurred. occured.
onscreen

Edits/Peer Review No list of edit Peer review Peer review Peer reviews Peer review and list
or peer OR list of and list of edits and list of 10 of more than 10
review edits less than 10 edits edits.

Narrative No Narrative Narrative Narrative with all

(personal missing components
background, piece information addressed.
description and/or
inspiration