Protest Poem

This week we've been studying about protest songs, reasons people protest, ways people protest, and possible consequences of protest.

Today we generated a Benjamin Franklin Protest List, the things you might think about protesting in our school. You mentioned the following:

Benjamin Franklin Protest List

1. Monotonous lunches (eating the same thing over and over)

2. The uniform policy

3. Not allowing students to wear hats

4. Homework

5. No safe water to drink

6. Dirty, locked bathrooms

7. Poor climate (temperature) control

Your assignment is to write a protest poem about one (1) issue on the Benjamin Franklin Protest List. It must be 16 lines, and include a suggestion for how the issue can be resolved intelligently, safely and peacefully. [It does not have to rhyme.]

Think of all the consequences of your protesting, and the possible consequences if you get your wish. Due: Friday, January 8. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!

Sign in the comments section below. Simply type in your name and the period you have music as follows: "Thomas Jones, 3rd period" .

WEST SIDE STORY - Day 4 Final Viewing

Today was our final viewing of West Side Story. Using complete sentences answer the questions below based on what you observed. Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation.

1. Why does Tony's action (killing Bernardo) further complicate the problems between Tony and Maria?

2. Who tells Maria about what happened at the rumble?

3. In the next scene (Maria's bedroom), Tony tells Maria what happened at the rumble and they sing the song "Somewhere". What is this song about?

For lyrics go to http://www.metrolyrics.com/westside-story-lyrics.html

4. After the rumble the Jets get back together and sing "Cool". What is this song about? Why is it important for the Jets to stay "cool"?

For lyrics go to http://www.metrolyrics.com/westside-story-lyrics.html

5. Who is after Tony with a gun?

6. What is Anita's response when she discovers Tony and Maria together?

7. Anita has a change of heart. What does she do for Maria?

8. Describe what happens to Tony.

9. What is Maria's message to the Jets and the Sharks?

10. In conclusion, what is the message of this story? (3 sentences or more)

WEST SIDE STORY - Day 3 Viewing

Answer the questions below based on our day 3 viewing of West Side Story. Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Answer in complete sentences.

1. What tune do the Sharks whistle as they leave Doc's drugstore? (Answer in a complete sentence.)

a) Dixie b) My Country Tis of Thee c) Gee Officer Krupke d) I Feel Pretty e)None of the previous answers

2. Why do they whistle that particular tune at that particular time?

3. Explain Maria's feelings when she sings "I Feel Pretty". (Click on, or copy and paste the link below for the lyrics.)

http://www.lyricsondemand.com/soundtracks/w/westsidestorymusicallyrics/ifeelprettylyrics.html

4. Why does Maria want Tony to stop the rumble?

5. During their mock wedding, Tony and Maria sing "One Hand, One Heart". How does the song fit this particular moment in the scene? (Click on, or copy and paste the link below for the lyrics.)

http://www.metrolyrics.com/one-hand-one-heart-lyrics-westside-story.html

6. The Rumble - Contrasted here is the peace between Maria and Tony with the song recap "Tonight", and then the Jets and Sharks and their version of a more fierce, fighting song of "Tonight". How does this help us see the problem in the story yet to come?

7. What happens when Tony tries to stop the fight? Describe in detail.

8. Why did Tony do what he did in this scene?

9. Why does Tony's action further complicate the problem between Tony and Maria?

WEST SIDE STORY - Day 2 Viewing

Reflecting on day 2 of West Side Story answer the questions below in complete sentences. Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.

1. What happens at the dance between Maria and Tony?

2. How does Bernardo react when he sees Maria and Tony together at the dance?

3. What doe Riff challenge Bernardo to at the dance?

4. Who is Anybody? Why does she have this name?

5. How does the music and dance portray the culture of Puerto Rico in the song, "America"?

6. What is the meaning of the song "Tonight" sung by Tony and Maria?

7. What is a juvenile delinquent?

8. "Gee Officer Krupke" deals with juvenile delinquency. What are the Jets saying about juvenile delinquents throughout the song?

Use the links from the previous assignments for help.

WEST SIDE STORY

From today's viewing of West Side Story, respond to the questions below using complete sentences. Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Turn in your answers tomorrow as soon as you come to class. DO NOT COPY THE QUESTIONS. Simply answer in complete sentences.

For help, use the following links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/plotsummary.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/synopsis.

1. Describe the Overture music themes and how they relate to the colors you see on the screen. (A different color appears for each song.)

2. Who is snapping fingers first in the opening scene on the playground? What does the snapping of fingers do for this whole scene? How does it add to the scene?

3. Why do you think the Jets dislike the Sharks so much?

4. How does Bernstein (the composer) combine jazz dance and ballet in the opening scene in which the two gangs are chasing each other?

5. What two gangs are chasing each other in the first scene?

6. Who breaks up the fight in the schoolyard between the Sharks and the Jets?

7. Who does Tony work for? Why is Tony working for him (i.e. what is he trying to accomplish)?

8. What ethnicity are Maria and Anita?

9. What are Maria and Anita doing when we first see them? What does Maria ask Anita to do?

10. Who is the leader of the Jets?

11. Who is the leader of the Sharks?

Homework for Week of November 9-13, 2009

Monday - Class in Room 19 (Review)

Tuesday - Computer Lab

Wednesday - NO SCHOOL! Veteran's Day!

Thursday - Computer Lab

Friday - Trip to the Kimmel Center to see Philadanco. I have a couple of extra tickets. First come, first served.

The American Musical Theater

For the next few days we will learn about the American Musical Theater. You will create and perform an original scene complete with music, singing, dancing, and acting. All key components of a musical are explored as well as a brief history on the evolution of this unique American art form. Your performance will be taped for you to enjoy later.

Today we discussed the components of a musical and a play, as well as the role of music in each. Our vocabulary words are:

1. musical 2. play 3. overture 4. lyrics 5. choreography

6. choreographer 7. solo 8. duet 9. trio 10. quartet

11. quintet 12. ensemble 13. instrumental 14. finale

Study the definitions for each of these words. Also, listen to the music from West Side Story. It's in the Listening Corner. Be able to identify the selections when you come to class tomorrow.

Read the plot summary at this link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/plotsummary.

Read the synopsis at this link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/synopsis.

Comment by writing the following in the comments section (below) of this post: "Hello Ms. Green. I am (your name). I have completed this assignment"