Digital+Choirs+and+Orchestras

EDUC 522- Final Case Study Project Tara Gillaspy  06.13.11  Virtual Orchestra/Choir

It is evident that technology has changed drastically over the years. We have come a long ways: Pencil and paper to typing, reading on parchment paper to watching a powerpoint with motion picture, and teacher lectures to watching online tutorial videos.

 I believe that we have come changed for the better of each student. We have learned that students learn in drastically different ways. We have learned how to meet the needs of each individual learner. With that, technology plays a big role. In this case study, I will examine music through the eyes of technology and how virtual music can benefit a student's education.



 With the new invention of virtual choirs and orchestras by Eric Whitacre, people from around the world can participate in ensembles and sing and play together harmoniously by recording their individual parts on their own computer wherever they are throughout the world. Check out this video to see how it all started from Eric's perspective.

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Watch this video to see an actual virtual performance conducted by Eric Whitacre. media type="youtube" key="D7o7BrlbaDs" width="425" height="350" align="center"

Virtual music ensembles are a great way to bring people together around the world through music. But how can this tie into the classroom setting? Though many music teachers may have objections to virtual music, I believe that we are moving into a new era of teaching and with that comes changes, especially with technology. Is it okay to have students learning via the internet? In a music classroom setting, is it still a learning experience to have a student memorize their soprano part, record themselves, and put it up on a class blog? I believe it is. Students are still learning the same material, but they are applying their knowledge in a new way.  Virtual music ensembles allow music students to do so much more than sing and play in the classroom. They allow students (and teachers) to communicate, sing, and play with other people in different countries throughout the world. They also allow students to incorporate technology through music. Many may be opposed to this because it does not allow teachers to accurately assess student's education. It also does not allow student/teacher interaction and student/student interaction. These, among many other issues are debatable.

So how do we incorporate new technology into the classroom and keep students educated in the 21st century? It all starts with the teacher. As a future teacher, I am preparing myself now on how to teach students through the use of technology. We are living in a world that is consumed with technology, contrary to the past. How do we expect to teach our students the content, but not the use of technology, and expect to see them succeed in today's world? If teachers do not begin to use technology in the classroom setting, they will gradually fall behind as technology advances. Personally, I plan to use digital choir/orchestra methods from Eric Whitacre in my future classroom as an enhancement to my teaching strategies. If technology changes, I will do my best to adapt my teaching strategies in order to keep up with the world we live in today.

Web Links to articles Teaching with Technology What tech skills do students need? Critical issue