SO UN D I N G T H E T E A CH IN G
2
Exposition
EX A MI NI NG MU SI C LEA R NI NG EX P ER I ENC ES
EXPERIENCING MUSIC COMPOSITION
Student Collaborative
A Cappella
Arrangements
BY XIE ZH IZH ONG, CH ONG BOON SE C ONDARY SC HOOL
At the camp
Artists conducted designated segments
to demonstrate/explain dimensions of
a cappella arrangement
Teacher-researcher observed, co-taught
where necessary, and unpacked the
process for students
Analysis
Thematic coding of post-camp
survey and reflection form, and video
recordings of workshop sessions
CAMP PROGRAMME
Day 1
PURPOSE
Collaborative arrangement is an authentic
practice of contemporary a cappella
groups and culture. I am motivated by the
belief that students can be engaged in
collaborative music arrangement, which
gives them a voice in the compositional
process.
QUESTION
How do students respond to facilitation
strategies for a cappella collaborative
arranging?
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CONTEXT
Chong Boon Secondary School
A Cappella Club (a second CCA, formed
in 2014)
A total of 25 students (Secondary 1–3),
who meet for one hour a week
Conducted in a formal teaching and
learning environment
LITERATURE REVIEW
Music arranging is one of the main
avenues of creative expression for
a cappella groups (Johnson, n.d.)
A cappella music-making culture is
closely linked to popular music-making
culture (Duchan, 2012)
Creating high-quality arrangements
allow members to grow in music skills
(Burlin, 2015)
METHODOLOGY
Collaborative Inquiry process with artists
Planning of three-day a cappella
arrangement camp for students
gives them a voice in the
compositional process .
XIE ZHIZHONG
Vocal warmups
Listening for Harmony 1
Group work
Performance and sharing of work
by students
Vocal percussion & effects
Bass lines
Group work
Performance and sharing of work
by students
Day 2
Vocal warmups
Listening for Harmony 2
Group work
Instructors’ performance
Music styles
Group work
Performance and sharing of work
by students
Day 3
Artists suggested dimensions of
a cappella arranging to work on
(see blue)
Teacher-researcher suggested areas of
student participation
(see orange)
I am motivated by the belief that students
can be engaged in collaborative music
arrangement, which
Drama-mama warmups
Group work
Working with microphones
Final performance
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