In an exciting new development as part of our role as ensemble-in-residence at University of Richmond, we began co-teaching a new class at University of Richmond this semester, in collaboration with the wonderful Dr Laura Pelligrinelli.
Called Music Scenes, it is a music appreciation course for non-music majors that aims to utilize new and emerging technologies. This is particularly important as 8bb is only in Richmond three times each semester. The course has utilized podcasts, online chats, emailing and online grading to involve the ensemble when we aren’t on campus.
The class has covered an incredibly wide range of concerts, including: Mahler and Schumann with the Richmond Symphony, Luciana Souza, eighth blackbird, Taiko drumming and a solo violin recital. Students do readings, listen to examples posted on Blackboard (the University of Richmond’s online student portal), attend the concert and electronically lodge response papers, which are then marked by us.
When in town, we take class. We have led forum discussions on topics from Mahler to Taiko drumming, and have attended four concerts with students. The classroom discussions have been wide ranging and interesting, and you can read about one attended by Steve Smith on his blog. In addition, we prepared and produced our own “explainer” podcasts for the class, relaxed and casual conversations between 8bb members about concerts that the students will attend.
Later this semester, students will prepare their own 15-minute pod- and vid-casts, documentaries exploring University of Richmond musical groups. Ensembles to be included include: 8bb, bands, choirs, orchestra and chamber groups.
Here is 8bb with Dr LP (center, front) near the dining hall at University of Richmond:
More shots from the beautiful University of Richmond campus here.
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