Video of the Week - Let the River Run

This week, we look at one of the possible pieces for next year's Swing Out.  Let the River Run is a mixed choir (SATB) that was originally released as a pop song by artist Carly Simon in 1992 for the movie Working Girl.  This is a possible selection for Swing Out theme The Elements, encompassing songs about Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire.

BASED OFF OF THE PMEA RUBRIC, EVALUATE THE CHOIR'S PERFORMANCE

1. Conspirare (meaning breath) is a professional choral ensemble from Austin, Texas.  What do you notice about their posture, their sound, and their accuracy that might lead you to believe that they are all professional musicians?
2. The piece was recorded in a concert hall in Austin for a televised event for PBS.  Even though the room echos a lot, can you understand their words.  Why or why not?
3. What do you think of the piece?  Is this something that fits the style of what we do?  If you are a middle school chorus member, is this something that we can accomplish within the course of a concert season?
4. Be sure to answer the questions using some of the terminology on the adjudication form provided to you in class.

A Copy of the PMEA Assessment Rubric can be found here: PMEA Assessment Rubric

Compose your answers in 1-2 paragraphs of approximately 5-8 sentences, and submit either online at:

http://www.ocasd.org/webpages/sluxbacher/forms.cfm?myform=26144

or email to:

sluxbacher@mail.ocasd.org

Conspirare - Craig Hella Johnson - Let the River Run

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArIoBORaYs&list=PLFvNhtLZGqUKwnUlJuQ55jJoTXVrHBUcd&feature=share&index=9