Thursday, February 27, 2014

Hypothesis and Argument of Fact


With my topic I am clearing up the misconception of the cost of keeping music in public schools, (K-12). It is a big assumption that is waved in front of the public every time this issue comes about.

I am also going to provide information drawing appeal to music even more.

(Brain differentiation/healing factor) 

This new information is just an appeal but it is fact. Studies have shown the miracles of music making it almost a necessity more than an extracurricular activity.

Charts, graphs, and my sources will back up my new information.

I still need or would like to have more stats and numbers on school cuts as well as the benefits of music (health wise). That way I don't only have ethos with my audience, but logos as well.

 

About my sources


Works Cited (5) 3-Traditional Listed below

 

Ball, Philip. The Music Instinct: How Music Works and Why We can’t do Without it. Oxford; New-York: Oxford University press, 2010. (Book)

 In this source I found that musical students like me are also on the same page of keeping music and music's importance in schools as well as society.

 

 Weidensee, Victor J. Instrumental Music in Public Schools: Organization and administration/ Boston: Crescendo Pub.CO., (1969) (Book)

 This source is practically the backbone of music programs in public schools. It discusses the structure and benefits of having music in schools.

 

 Major, Marci L. How They Decide: A Case Study Examining the Decision-Making Process for Keeping or Cutting Music in K-12 Public School Districts. Journal of Research in Music Education. April 2013. (Article)

 This source in one of my favorite due to the fact it has so much information. In this source it comes down to the school's wealth. Some schools can't afford to lose music because it racks in money. Some schools are big on sports and feel music is a waste. In this article it discusses how these schools actually determine whether or not music is valid and I find it fascinating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My experience



Looking at finding sources you have easy tasks as well as hard. I figured out there were dozens of sources that were reliable and useful, but I also found many that were non-reliable and pointless.

I learned that when using an online source you have to be careful about what type of site it originates from. Many of the .com online sites can be altered and are falsified unlike the .edu and .org sites. You want to make sure when gathering sources those sources can be found again. By that I mean gather all of the information, (date, author, publisher, and title). After gathering my sources I discovered that I still have many questions unanswered.

I need to give my readers and or audience a larger scale to view things. Including information that makes my topic more appealing is a good start. Also, digging deeper within my topic and finding more information will give it ethos. My main goal is to appeal to the audience and get them to believe.

 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Should it stay, or should it go?


   It’s been a controversial question in many schools across the U.S. whether or not they should continue funding their music programs (orchestra, band, choir, etc.). Music is fun, lively and a bit distracting, so why keep it?

   There are many reasons to keep music in school. For starters musically involved kids of any age usually rank top 25% of their class. Music is Math, English, and History all in one. You have to count your rhythms as well as your rests. You have to understand what the music is telling you. Words like forte meaning strong and loud have to be understood to correctly play a piece, and you must understand the origin of music. The era, author, and background of everything you play has meaning, a specific significance, and a story.

   Why do some kids say they are too stressed and don’t have time for work, or they are falling behind because of music? Well, music isn’t as easy as do, re, me. It is something that takes years to master and it’s always an ongoing process. You never stop learning. Students that are involved in music are set at higher level than others. They’re given more responsibility as well as homework. These students are relied on by an ensemble, a group, and an individual. If a student gets behind it’s generally their own fault for not pushing forward and setting aside time for what needs to be done. Music requires you to plan a set schedule and stick with it.

   Why should schools keep music then? Music is an art, a passion, a study, and teaches people of all ages’ responsibility, Math, English, History, planning, and so much more. Getting rid of something so unique and profitable such as music is going to lead to a downfall. Now, don’t you think music should stay?

Friday, January 17, 2014

My mini-biography

 
  
 
    My full name is Jordan Nicole Oliver and I blow out the candles February 2nd. I was born and raised in the small town of Amarillo. Growing up I was a firm believer of always trying your hardest but never forgetting to have fun along the way. I am an education major at West Texas A&M University. No, I didn't have a clue I was going to teach, but it was always something I was good at. Being ahead in my class had its ups and downs. With the "no child left behind" act, I had to learn the same material over and over until EVERYONE understood. That then gave me the opportunity to help others who were struggling or simply didn't understand the teacher's point of view.

     I love adventures. When I say adventures I mean going out, trying something new, being spontaneous, and never backing down. If you haven't already guessed my personality color is bright orange. I enjoy traveling, singing, dancing, and art. There really isn't anything I don't enjoy.

     I started music at the young age of ten. I've never broken a bone in my body, and I take each and every day as a gift. I have tried maintaining a positive mindset, but let’s get real. We are human beings and life gets hard, but I like to see it as at least we're here!