School project

Melissa · Apr 22, 2006

I had to read this one book for school, and we would discuss it every week with a group.
now, we have to take steps to making it a movie (but we aren't really going to). I have been chosen to be the soundtrack organizer/music composer. This is a Freshman english class. should I compose something for it, or would htat be a little much?

rs2sensen · Apr 27, 2006

With projects like the ones you mentioned, I have this habit of going "above and beyond." I do a fair amount of actual video editing, so it is a natural opportunity for me to "show off" and wow everyone.

But, since you aren't going to actually be filming this, I'm not sure how far I would go with it. If in some way you can actually record the music you write out and play it for the class, that might be fun. Soundtrack music can lose it's effect when not played with the video it is ment to go with though...

Don't be afraid of doing "a little much," but don't let a project like this take over your life. Writing something is fun and impressive. Another option could be to go through a large music collection, either your own, or iTunes or something, and then pick songs you think would fit well. However, everyone else who has your job is probably doing just that. And really, who wants to be everyone else?

Still, if you have any songs you'd like to use, feel free to drop me a message. Chances are, I have a copy of it, lol, and I'm more than willing to give out music for school projects. I also have a pretty large sheet music collection covering many many many genres. (maybe bring in the alto or bari and do a performance? 🙂

rs2sensen · Apr 27, 2006

P.S. What book was it?

Pete Thomas · Apr 27, 2006

I would try a combination of everything. Compose something - doesn't need to be sophisticated, it could be a simple 3 or 4 note theme on piano - even something atonal maybe. But also choose some exiting tracks from pop, classical jazz, folk whatever - just spend a while trying different genres on iTunes Music Store and see what music you find that would never normally listen to.

If you just think of a word randomly and put it in the iTunes search function, you'll be surprised at the wealth and variety of music on there.

Melissa · Apr 27, 2006

weeeeeeeeeeeell

the project is now over. I DID compose a very very short piece. It was a trio with piano, violin, and soprano sax.

It didn't turn out as well as I would have liked it too, but I had a deadline and no muse. Oh well. Such is the life. I got an A anyway 😛

as for the other songs, it was also very difficult, because I realized I had been listening to nothing but Broadway for the last couple months, and it wouldn't be right to me to stick a show tune into a soundtrack. I did eventually ask some friends for help.

Ryan, the book was "My Heartbeat" by Garret Freymann-Weyr. It was an okay book.