MATARIKI FINAL PERFORMANCE ✨

Yesterday we finally were able to perform Stan Walker's Aotearoa to a number of Year 8/9 classes in the auditorium! We spent the term choreographing the dance, learning the lyrics, and perfecting our routine before the big day.

For my costume I wore a black and white traditional Maori skirt and a Maori patterned headband, along with Poi. I liked my costume and I think it well with the culture of the performance.

The performance went really well! The only thing I could have done better is my Poi - I messed up a tiny bit at the very beginning before I got into sync with the others. Other than that, I'm proud of my singing and footwork, and I was actually feeling very confident in my performing.

Here are some photos from rehearsal!

Although I can't grab any photos of the actual performance right now, I will add some if any are available soon!

:)

MATARIKI REHEARSALS✨

This term my class is performing Stan Walker at the school's Matariki night. Every class is performing a Maori song to help celebrate the Maori New Year.

My role in the performance is to do the poi alongside Stacey, Sharayah, and Chloe. I'm nervous to do so because I haven't performed using poi since primary school, but I know the basics of it and I think I can learn it easily when I get back to school.


We have made good progress on Matariki so far: we have our choreography finished and now we are perfecting it to make it look better for the night.

I am going to wear a lava lava or traditional Maori costume over my school uniform along with black lipstick and liner for the night, inspired by my friend Jay (thanks) and my Kapa Haka outfit from primary school. I need to make sure I have somewhere to put my poi after I've finished using it, however.


I am doing well with the lyrics but I am getting muddled at some points which I need to work on. I like the song overall so I'm not too stressed about the words. 

My next steps are to learn the Poi choreography and work on the lyrics!

MUSIC: MILD ORANGE 🍊🎵

My music artist of choice is Blue Orange because they are one of my favourite music groups.

What am I learning?

I am learning the background of New Zealand music artists to celebrate Matariki and our country's culture.

How does this show my learning?

Although it is a small group, I am expanding my knowledge on music from my own country, because I don't tend to listen to it normally.

What am I wondering?

What challenges did Mild Orange face in forming the band we know today, and how on Earth did they get their single mastered by a German record producer?

KALEGA - ROB RUHA 🌟

Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.

(1) What type of music is this? 
I think the genre is Pop/Tropical because it sounds like a pop song, except it's in Maori. 

(2) Who performs it?
Rob Ruha and The Witch Doctor (which is a pretty cool name tbh)

(3) What inspired them to write it?
Kalega was written to express joy and happiness. 

(4) What did you like about the music?
I think the beat was catchy and it was upbeat so it could probably cheer someone up... I think I first heard this song last year and it reminded me of being with friends at school. 

(5) What did you like about the video?
I think it represented New Zealand in a happy, joyful way which I really liked.

There is no English translation available. 

WAIRUA - MAIMOA 🌟

Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.



(1) What type of music is this? 
I think the genre is Pop/Tropical because it sounds like a pop song, except it's in Maori. 

(2) Who performs it?
Maimoa.

(3) What inspired them to write it?
Maimoa is a song 'encouraging ones belief in their natural instinct or spirit, we call 'wairua'. At times of adversity and hardship, it's that very natural instinct that will direct you. It's by trusting in that 'wairua' you will reach your full potential, so let your 'wairua' soar...'.

(4) What did you like about the music?
I think the beat was catchy and it was upbeat so it could probably cheer someone up... it reminded me a lot about the students at Hornby High School because we have insanely talented Maori singers, dancers, and we're all a big family. 

(5) What did you like about the video?
I think the costumes and makeup were very pretty, I didn't like the video much because it didn't represent what the song means. 

ENGLISH TRANSLATION The essence of soul and spirit tingles the skin. An essence that isn't truly felt until one opens up Once confronted by internal debate, a source of life and inspiration springs within you. A spring-well of instinct and a soul that is completely yours It is your SPIRIT - may it spread around the world It is your SOUL - let it fly and soar Filled with instinct and inspiration that can guide you to your full potential A little wairua is better than none at all, be it small or large - it is still a gift. Although it may not be tangible, it's a connection blind to the naked eye Once confronted by internal debate, a source of life and inspiration springs within you. A spring-well of life and soul that is completely yours It is your SPIRIT - may it spread around the world It is your SOUL - let it fly and soar A subtle means of inspiration and spiritual flow that can guide you to your full potential Stomp clap the beat the beat clap, to the pound pound clap, the beat the beat CLAP! Stand up and let your wairua guide you! It is your SPIRIT - may it spread around the world It is your SOUL - let it fly and soar Filled with instinct and inspiration that can guide you to your full potential

MODERN MAORI QUARTET ~ MAREIKURA 🌟

Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.




(1) What type of music is this? 
I believe the genre would be Cultural Music/Pop/Vocal because it sounds pretty modern but is enriched with Maori culture. 

(2) Who performs it?
Modern Maori Quartet

(3) What inspired them to write it?
Mareikura is, according to their website, the 'perfect way to celebrate Matariki' because the song reflects on Maori goddesses of the heavens. 

(4) What did you like about the music?
Certain parts of the instrumentals reminded me of an old musical by Jeff Wayne - it certainly has great harmonies and work together well. 

(5) What did you like about the video?
It had a rawness to music that I appreciated; I could see how the music was made and not how the band was represented, like in what a music video would display. I think music-making has more importance. 

There was no English translation available. 

STAN WALKER ~ AOTEAROA 🌟

Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.



(1) What type of music is this? 
I believe the genre would be Cultural Music/Pop/Vocal because it sounds pretty modern but is enriched with Maori culture. 

(2) Who performs it?
Stan Walker, a 27-year-old New Zealand recording artist. 

(3) What inspired them to write it?
According to Stan Walker, it is a song "to acknowledge our Reo, our unique indigenous culture and who we are as New Zealanders, as well as our connection to Aotearoa"

(4) What did you like about the music?
I liked how it incorporated both male and female voices, the lyrics were catchy, and it included the National Anthem. 

(5) What did you like about the video?
I liked how it was a pretty accurate representation of New Zealand, and I'm proud to live here after watching it. 

ENGLISH TRANSLATION
I am the mountain, you are the sea flowing toward me
You are the river that runs through me, I am her she is me
Created from dust and sand, born to lead this land

Where we come from we were made to be strong
Our legacy will carry on
And if a piece of home
Resonates in your soul
Your journey will take you
Where you belong

No matter if you're near or far
We come from the land of God
No matter where you belong
We'll fight for your freedom

[RIA HALL:]
The heritage of this land is deep, we are it's legacy
I am her warrior, I fight for thee, we have the victory
Born from blood and tears, I am stronger than fear

[TROY KINGI:]
We strive to move to our destiny
we practice more than what we preach
and if a piece of home resonates in your soul
your journey will take you where you belong

No matter if you're near or far
We come from the land of God
No matter where you belong
We'll fight for your freedom

[NZ NATIONAL ANTHEM – MAISEY RIKA]

God of Nations at thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet
Hear our voices we entreat
God defend our free land!

No matter if you're near or far
We come from the land of God
No matter where you belong
We'll fight for your freedom

No matter if you're near or far
We come from the land of God
No matter where you belong
We'll fight for your freedom

No matter if you're near or far
We come from the land of God
No matter where you belong
We'll fight for your freedom

MATARIKI 🌟

TASK: CREATE A PIKTOCHART INFO GRAPHIC TO SHARE WHAT YOU'VE DISCOVERED AFTER RESEARCHING THE CULTURE OF MATARIKI.

🎶 THIS IS ME PERFORMANCE 🎶

On Wednesday the 11th of April, 9Rc were finally able to perform the long-awaited This Is Me number. We reserved Period Five for the musical concert and were able to watch the Year Eight performances and rest of Year Nine's. 

What have I learnt?
Practising for the musical number taught me a lot. From confidence to learning choreography to even just how to hold a microphone, the skills I learnt have increased my confidence and capability to perform like this in the future. 

What did I find challenging?
I think the thing I found most challenging was just confidence. In every rehearsal I was telling myself I couldn't do it, I was telling myself that I can't sing or act when really, everyone else was telling me that wasn't true. It came down to my confidence and in the end it got the better of me. I couldn't perform due to other circumstances but I do believe that confidence was a factor in it. I also felt really self conscious of where I was on stage. 

What would I do differently?
In every rehearsal I found myself saying, "You'll do better next week," or, "Don't try because it's just a practise." So because I wasn't trying and procrastinating when I was going to actually start putting expression into my role I wasn't ready for the performance at all.

What did I enjoy?
I really enjoyed just being able to become more confident in my singing. Even though I wasn't singing during rehearsals, I would constantly practise offstage and feel a little better about my singing after. I'm pretty confident with singing in front of my own class now and that will do me well in Voices with Soul. 

What am I wondering?
I'm wondering whether I could have done the best of my ability if I had a different role, or the role that I wanted. I didn't particularly like my role because the notes were pretty tough to hit - I'm definitely not Kaela Settle! - but I really liked the choreography we all got to do. 

Video >>>

Can we all just pay attention to this photo please?

Overall, I think 9Rc - and all of the other classes! - did AMAZING on these musical theatre performances. It's something that a lot of people probably have never done and will never do it again, but it is really good to do things that get you out of your comfort zone sometimes. Music still stands as one of my favourite classes and these rehearsals are something I will probably remember for a long time... and cringe about in about five years!

THIS IS ME ~ AND 9RC! 🎶

This term, 9Rc have been working on our musical theatre number to perform. The song we voted on was This Is Me from The Greatest Showman. 



We have been working hard twice a week all term. By Week 9, we have the choreography for the entire song finished and roles established. Our next steps are to work on costumes and makeup, and to clean up our choreography to make it perfect.

I chose to have an acting/singing role in the performance. I was assigned to sing this part of the song, "We are bursting through the barricades and reaching for the stars," and also to assist Chloe with her part, the strong bridge. 

I enjoy my role because I have an opportunity to act like a diva and I like the message my parts of the song give. 

For my costume, I'm thinking something pilgrim or vintage with a chic twist. My idea is a dress with some crazy coloured hair and Victorian makeup. However at the end of the show I have to do a flip and that might not work out in a dress... maybe for the other roles, perhaps.

Other ideas I have include leggings, a trench coat, large hair wig, and some fancy flat shoes... I don't think I'll be flipping around the stage in heels just yet. I like the idea of Victorian makeup, with crazy blush, small lips and some dark, drawn on brows.

The whole idea of the song is for us, the 'peasants or freaks' to break out and show who we really are; talented performers who are confident and proud. The lyrics are really empowering alongside the upbeat soundtrack, with some emotional parts of the song where we can attract the audience's attention. 

I'm really proud of the progress we have completed so far. The performance is in a few weeks and I am confident that we will be able to clean up our choreography, singing, and costumes by then. I think everyone in the class, including me, are breaking out of their comfort zones and having lots of fun doing things we haven't really done before. 

I am feeling very nervous about the show, as we are performing in front of all the new Year Sevens, Eight, and new Year Nine teachers. I can imagine everyone is though too, however!

Here are some photos from rehearsal so far!  

Can you see me (the tall redhead) at the right back? 

Ever wondered what happens backstage in musicals?

What am I learning to do?

I am learning the process of what happens backstage in musical and theatre productions, in the lead up to the class musical production at the end of the term.

What learning process am I using?

I am using MindMup, which allows people to create concept maps to plan, create and share their ideas. I like this platform as it allows my planning to flow and ideas to expand easily. 

I am also using Padlet, which I like less because I feel like there is no original ideas as we can all see each others and can take from it. 

Musical One: Dear Evan Hanson. 

First performed in July 2015, at the Arena Stage in Washington D.C. 
The musical is based on antagonist Evan Hansen, who is a senior in high school and suffers from social anxiety. A classmate of Evan's unfortunately dies, but it is a lie he creates that leads him to becoming closer to his classmate's family and start to get better on his social anxiety. 
If I was involved in this show I think I would be stage or lights. I do not like this musical as I think the theme of mental illness is not suited for any musical at all. 

Musical Two: The Greatest Showman

First premiered on December 7th, 2017.
The drama/romance film, based on the Barnum and Bailey Circus running from 1871 to May 2017, tells the story of an ambitious showman, P.T Barnum. After being fired from his job as a a bank teller, Barnum decided to take out a risky loan to buy a museum. The sales for his new attraction museum in Manhattan are slow, so eventually he searches for "freaks" to star in a circus show at the museum. The show is a success but the circus is soon burned down by protesters, causing Barnum to have to rebuild the circus into major success...
If I was involved in this musical I would have played Barnum, as I relate to him well. I have big dreams and would do anything for success, so I feel as if I would portray him well. I have never seen this musical however it does seem interesting and well-written.

Musical Three: Hamilton

First performed in January 2015 at The Public Theatre in New York City.
The musical features singing and rapping about the life of one of America's first presidents, Alexander Hamilton. The musical has been a huge success and is one of the world's most well-known musicals in this day and age.
If I was in this musical I think I would have played Aaron Burr, the man who shot Alexander Hamilton. I have a lot of anger and jealousy so I would be able to portray him well.
I have heard a lot about this musical but there are things I would change. I do not particular like the rapping part that much, but I like the story and perspective it portrays.

What worked, what didn't, and what would you change?

What worked is that I was able to follow my instructions quickly and clearly with no need to search on YouTube for any backstage clips. I was also able to plan well and add to my ideas quickly. 

In terms of what didn't work, I think everything went well. However I would change using Padlet to a private document or blog post instead because I don't think there is any point in writing down musicals you know if you can see everyone else's. 

Pick-A-Path Album Challenge!

Discover your new favourite bop by clicking through the slides! These are all my favourite albums by the way!

MUSIC VIDEO BATTLE - Jake Paul vs. My Chemical Romance!

What is the learning outcome?

Find a YouTube clip of an artist/musician/band you admire. Open the video in Video Notes, watch through it and make some notes about why you like it, what messages are in it, and what you would change if you remade the video clip.
Repeat this for an artist/band/musician you do not enjoy!

On your blog, write a compare/contrast post about what makes a good piece of music using your two choices as evidence.

The Black Parade Music Video:
- Dark, gloomy, creepy vibes
- A theme of death, hospitals, sickness
- Lots of zombies, dead people
- Post apocalyptic society
- Black and white
- I would include some more hospital scenes as I really liked the vibe it gave.

It's Everyday Bro Music Video:
- Lots of people featured
- Cars, mansions, wealthy vibes
- Shots of street racing
- Dancing and choreography
- I would include more shots rather than just cars, mansions, and dancing. It got boring after a short while because everything just looked and sounded the same. 
- I don't like the song as I don't listen to this type of music (trap, rap, chart music).

What learning process did I use?

I used Video Notes to link and watch the video while taking notes at the same time. I have had experience with this in the past but I think it's very handy for taking notes.

What worked, what didn't, and what would I change?

What worked: It was very easy to take the notes while watching.

What didn't work: The original 'It's Everyday Bro' video is restricted so I had to use another version.

What I would change for next time: I would include more notes and go into more detail about the video.