2011-12 Reflections Contest Theme:

"Diversity means..."

What is Reflections?
Reflections is a national PTA arts recognition and achievement program. Each year students across the country enter original creations. These works can be completed at home or school. Prizes are awarded at school, Council, District, State, and National levels.

Entries are judged for:

  • creativity,
  • interpretation of theme, and
  • artistic merit.

What are the rules?
Entries must be the student's own work. Parents, friends, and teachers cannot help. Below is an abbreviated set of rules. A complete set of rules will be post soon. The band directors may check over entries to be sure all rules are being met.

Music rules:

  • Original composition without lyrics
  • Music notation required
  • Length maximum of five minutes
  • Label tape and composition with title on front (NO NAME).
  • Place in a brown envelope with name and core on the outside.

    • How do I notate music?:
    A free music notation software is available as a download from Coda Music. The web site is www.codamusic.com. Look for "Finale NotePad".

    Compositions may also be written by hand using manuscript paper available from a band director or at music stores.

    The band hall currently has three PC computers always available to write music. The programs used are Encore and Sibelius for PC.

    Deadline:
    Around November 1 (Tentative)

    Other info:
    Information packets will be available from the fine arts teachers at the school during August or September. Sometimes additional information is available through the national PTA web site:
    PTA Reflections (if this link does not work try: www.PTA.org)

     

    GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A SONG

    1. A melody is typically eight measures long (or two four-bar phrases).

    2. Blues melodies are normally twelve measures (and follow a certain chord progression).

    3. Use a familiar key.

    4. Use a familiar instrument and experiment with different notes, rhythms/rests, intervals,... to see what you like.

    5. The last note of a melody is
    - - - - normally the first note (tonic) of the key signature scale. This creates a "strong" ending.
    - - - - the seventh note (leading tone) of the key signature scale. This creates a "deceptive" ending.
    - - - - the third or sixth note of the key signature. This creates a "weak" ending.

    6. Pickup notes at the beginning do not count as a measure.

    7. Try sketching some ideas and then put ideas together to see what you like.