Titles and Descriptions: M
The Making of a Midsummer Night's Dream (Video). TV Ontario (MGR), 1999. 50 min. Dup. order no. V548.
(CAN) Viewers are backstage and on-stage from the first day of rehearsals for the world-renowned Stratford Festival’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, through to the first exciting performance. Viewers gain vivid insight into the creative process as they meet the actors who share their perspectives at various stages of preparation, including character development. They also meet the designers and the artisans who helped assemble this spectacular production. Viewers explore themes of romance, fantasy and confused identity as the program focuses on the scene in which Puck comes across the four lovers in the woods. In-depth conversations with Stratford’s artistic director, Richard Monette, further illuminate the many threads of this richly woven theatrical tapestry. This program provides a stimulating hour full of the magic, romance and comedy that fill one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.
This program is closed-captioned for viewers with hearing disabilities.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Drama
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
The Man Who Made Parks: The Story of Parkbuilder Frederick Law Olmsted (Print-Non-Fiction). Wishinsky, Frieda and Zhang, Song Nan, illus. Tundra Books Inc. (RAN), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-88776-435-5 ($17.99 hdc.).
(CAN) In 1822, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won the design competition for New York’s Central Park. Olmsted went on to create many beautiful public parks throughout the United States and Canada. The straightforward text in this picture book is informative, and the many colourful pencil illustrations add greatly to the book’s appeal. The subject of landscape architecture might well be stimulated by the story of this great pioneer who gave the world a precious gift of parks.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Margaret Bourke-White: Her Pictures Were Her Life (Print-Non-Fiction). Rubin, Susan Goldman. Abrams, Harry N., Inc. (GBW), 1999. 96 p. ISBN 0-8109-4381-6 ($23.96 hdc.).
One of the first female photojournalists was Margaret Bourke-White. Her stunning black-and-white photographs, which rose to the level of art, are profiled in this book. From the 1920s through the 1950s she created compassionate photographic records of the social, political and economic forces at work in the world. The study of these photographs will assist students in understanding the techniques used and how the results were obtained. An index is included.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level; English Language Arts 20; Photo-Graphics/Photography
Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life (Print-Non-Fiction). Freedman, Russell. Clarion Books (ALL), 1998. 175 p. ISBN 0-395-74655-8 ($21.71 hdc.).
Martha Graham, the American dancer, teacher and choreographer revolutionized the world of modern dance. This biography documents her life from her birth in Pittsburgh in 1894 to her final dance performance at the age of 75 and her continued career as a choreographer until her death in 1991. The book connects Graham’s breakthroughs in dance to the social and cultural history of her times. A stunning collection of photographs complements this rare look at the life of a great American artist.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
MasterStrokes: Painting and Drawing With the Masters (CD-ROM). Clearvue/eav (MAG), 1998. Order no. 3CD6332 ($125.00).
Techniques used by artists including Michelangelo, Rubens, Rembrandt, Velasquez, Cezanne and Van Gogh are explored in this program. Users are able to view the underpaintings uncovered by x-rays and raking methods. Six tutorials are included: "Colour," "Composition," "Animation," "Light and Dark," "Hidden Images and Storytelling" and "Special Techniques." The program enables the user to "trace" the works of the Masters in order to understand the elements of shape, line, value and colour. The CD-ROM contains excellent instructions for use and a tutorial with video and audio highlights.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Math Works Series (Video). Please refer to the title: Exploring Geometric Shapes.
Maximum Dimension Series I (Video). Please refer to the title: Music.
Maximum Dimension Series II (Video). Please refer to the titles: Art and Dance.
Meet the Group of Seven (Print-Non-Fiction). Wistow, David and McKinley, Kelly. Kids Can Press (UTP), 1999. 48 p. ISBN 1-55074-494-1 ($13.56 hdc.).
(CAN) This book provides an excellent introduction to the Group of Seven. After briefly introducing the painters themselves, the book discusses their art and explains how different people viewing the same scene can have a distinctly different perspective. The book’s focus alternates between the art and the painters’ lives. Colour reproductions of the Group’s paintings are presented in vivid colour in an artful and inviting layout. A concise table of contents and a well-presented index make this an excellent choice for students wishing to know more about these influential Canadian artists.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Memory and Myth: The Art of Chuck Crate (Video). (Expressions: Visual Arts and Artists Series). Shadowland Moving Picture Co. Ltd. (MGR), 1992. 24 min. Dup. order no. V2946.
(SK) In his surrealistic work, Chuck Crate is concerned with the history he has lived and seen, and also the places and feelings of places, from the coastal villages, to the prairie and the Far North, which have deeply influenced the directions of his life. He explores his emotional and spiritual life and its relation to the world of humanity and nature.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
The Men of the Deeps: A Day Underground (Video). Folkus Atlantic (FOA), 1996. 25 min. No order number is required. ($69.95).
(CAN) The Men of the Deeps is the only coal miners’ chorus in North America. This video captures a performance interspersed with clips of personal interviews and trips into the underground tunnels of the mines. The life of a coal miner is described through music and poetry. This is an inspiring video that could be paired with Ian Wallace’s book Boy of the Deeps (annotated in English Language Arts: A Bibliography for the Elementary Level, 2001).
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; Arts Education: Secondary Level
Métis Songs: Visiting Was the Métis Way (Print-Non-Fiction). Whidden, Lynn. Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies (GDI), 1993. 86 p. ISBN 0-920915-28-0 ($8.00 pbk.).
(I/M, SK) The Métis gathered frequently in family homes to sing, tell stories dance and play instruments such as violin, guitar and mouth organ. Everyone was encouraged to participate, and there was no correct version of a song. The songs in this resource are full of humour and are a celebration of life. The authors have endeavored to fulfill their goal of bringing Métis songs to children so that they will have an opportunity to understand and appreciate Métis culture. Songs about aboriginal and French heritage, historical songs, contemporary songs and instrumental and spoken pieces are included. The book contains an excellent introduction, short biographical information about contributors and an appendix with English summaries of French lyrics.
Selections from this resource are included on the CD Singing to Keep Time: A Collection of Métis Songs (also annotated in this bibliography).
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
The Modern Fancy Dancer (Print-Non-Fiction). Evans, C. Scott and Reddick, J. Rex. Crazy Crow Trading Post (CZY), 1998. 64 p. ISBN 0-9624883-2-1 ($14.35 U.S. pbk.).
(I/M) The fancy dance, a style of powwow dancing that is known for whirling colours, fancy footwork, acrobatic motions and show-stopping endings, can be traced to aboriginal dancers of the plains. This book begins with a history of the fancy dance, an overview of the music used during the dance, and profiles and interviews with past and present champion dancers. The book goes on to discuss the philosophy of the dance and the mindset of the dancers. Black-and-white photographs of early dancers and gorgeous colour photographs of modern dancers in their full regalia complement the text. The book includes easy-to-follow and concise instructions on how to create basic costumes and accessories used in the dances.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Motif at a Glance!: A Quick Guide to Motif Description (Print-Non-Fiction). Guest, Ann Hutchinson. The Language of Dance Centre Inc. (LGD), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-9510779-7-X ($15.00 U.S. coil-bound).
This little mini-flip chart is a dictionary of symbols devised by the Language of Dance® (LOD) as a fresh and original way of looking at dance and understanding the basic movements of which it is composed. It explores building blocks of movement from their basic components to more subtle and complex combinations. The chart includes a movement alphabet, basic actions and symbols for direction, travelling and paths. Teachers could teach students a few of the symbols, and then students could create their own movement patterns or dances.
More information regarding the Language of Dance® may be found at the following website: www.lodc.org.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Multicultural Folk Dance Treasure Chest (Kit). Lane, Christy. Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. (HKB), 1998. ISBN 0-88011-960-8 ($142.50 kit).
This kit features 18 authentic dances in two volumes, each containing a video, a printed guide and music. The dances are a collection of popular folk dances representing a mix of cultural diversity. They range from easy to moderately difficult, and each one is demonstrated by a native from the country in which the dance originated or by an expert in that particular dance form. The instructors wear traditional costumes and show, step-by-step, how to perform the dances.
This resource is useful for the cultural/historical component of arts education and should be used within the context of the curriculum. It is an excellent resource for helping students to appreciate the uniqueness of various cultures.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Music (Video). (Maximum Dimension Series I). Heartland Motion Pictures (MGR), 1999. 30 min. Dup. order no. V33.
(SK) Max introduces the audience to the relationship between mathematics and music.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level; Mathematics: Elementary Level; Mathematics: Middle Level
Music Ace. School ed. (Kit). Harmonic Vision (MHR), 1996. ISBN 0-02-295318-3 ($108.48 kit).
Music Ace is designed to provide an introduction to music fundamentals for beginning music students. Three learning environments are included in the program: Lessons, Games and Doodle Pad. The lessons component consists of a series of 24 lessons that cover listening skills, note reading, octaves, treble, bass and grand staff fundamentals, key signatures, major scales, sharps and flats and pitch recognition. The lessons are interactive and self-paced, and they feature an animated conductor/host Maestro Max. Every lesson concludes with a multilevel game from the Games section, and the Doodle Pad allows students to compose original tunes or modify prerecorded melodies. Lessons can be adapted to the instruments that students are studying.
This version of Music Ace features a three-ring binder with a teacher’s guide that includes reproducible blackline masters and suggested activities.
This program is correlated with Share the Music Grades 2-8 and is intended to complement the music curriculum.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Music Ace 2 (CD-ROM). Harmonic Vision (KMC), 2000. Regular version - for 6 students - ($59.00). Teacher's Guide - for 240 students - ($109.00). No order number is required.
This sequel to Music Ace takes learners to the next level. Maestro Max and his choir of singing notes return with a series of 24 more fun and challenging music lessons. Interactive lessons include games on rhythm, note reading and keyboard basics. After completing each lesson, students are challenged to play a variety of exciting games that are designed to sharpen music skills and improve retention of lesson concepts. The Doodle Pad is a compositional area that allows students to create their own music from scratch or load in a sample music piece and explore it by modifying it. A jukebox component allows students to pick from and play musical pieces that emphasize and correlate with the lessons. This feature reinforces understanding through multiple learning styles.
This program is correlated with Share the Music Grades 2-8 and is intended to complement the music curriculum.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Music and Dance (Print-Non-Fiction). Morris, Neil and Faleschini, Gian paolo, et al., illus. (Discovering World Cultures Series). Crabtree Publishing Company (CRA), 2001. 38 p. ISBN 0-7787-0239-1 ($19.96 hdc.). ISBN 0-7787-0249-9 ($9.86 pbk.).
(CAN) This book contains fascinating information about different musical instruments and traditional forms of dance around the world. Topics range from cultural dances of various countries, how sound travels, lyrics and musical recordings, to how technology has changed the way that music is made. Key words are in bold throughout the book. Coloured photographs and detailed illustrations complement the text. A glossary and table of contents are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Dance; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Music Builders VI (Compact Disc). Hardie, Marilyn and Mason, Elaine. Berandol Music Ltd. (BEM), 1998. Order no. 1261. ($115.00).
This conceptually based music program is designed to provide the foundation for a year’s work in music. The program includes a set of two CDs and a teacher’s manual.
The CDs provide the stimulus for all the musical activities outlined in the teacher’s manual. The material represents a wide variety of musical styles and includes songs, chants, stories set to music as well as music for listening, playing and moving. Many composers and performers are featured.
The teacher’s manual provides lessons for active music learning experiences. Activities which explore the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, style and form) are designed for both large and small groups and for individual experiences. The manual gives detailed lesson suggestions for sequential learning. It also provides openings for reinforcement of concepts in other subject areas. Teachers are encouraged to extend the activities and to add their own material.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Music
Music Directory Canada. 7th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Norris-Whitney Communications Inc. (NWC), 1997. 559 p. ISBN 0-9691272-7-8 ($35.96 pbk.).
(CAN) This Canadian listing includes music publishers, opera companies, music associations, music publications, radio stations, discographies of recording artists, music sites on the Internet, recording studios, music libraries and much more. It features comprehensive listings for every sector of the Canadian Music industry ever published. This would be a useful addition to a resource centre.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Secondary Level
Music Show (Music Production) (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids I Series). Hearst Entertainment (MGR), 1997. 28 min. Dup. order no. V362.
Jay and Elisha boogie into the world of music. They visit a professional DJ to learn how to "scratch," and are surprised to find out that playing a rock concert takes more than drums and amplifiers. They also see how one can take an average singing voice and make it seem professional, if located in a good sound studio.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Musicanada Encore: Listening and Appreciation 6 (Compact Disc). Cobbold, Joan and Wamsley, Jane. Harcourt Canada Ltd. (HBJ), 2000. CD - ISBN 0-03-922238-1 and Teacher's Guide - ISBN 0-03-922222-5 ($31.95).
(CAN) Musicanada Encore has been designed as a supplement to the older but still useful Musicanada program. The CD and teacher’s guide includes information about many musical concepts and skills with special emphasis on listening and appreciation. The suggested activities in the teacher’s guide have been developed around selections on the CD. This is a flexible resource, offering many options that will allow teachers to design programs that suit their individual needs. The guide includes sections on lesson planning, assessment ideas, background information about the selections and composers and suggestions for extension activities. This resource, although meant as a supplement to the Musicanada Series, could be used as an individual resource for listening and appreciation.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Dance; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level
Musicanada 6 (Kit). Brooks, Penny, et al. Holt, Rinehart and Winston (HBJ), 1991. Order numbers follow.
(CAN) Recommended titles in the series include the following:
| Musicanada 6: Student Book |
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| ISBN 0-03-923181-X |
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| ($35.95 hdc.) |
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| Musicanada 6: Teacher’s Edition |
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| ISBN 0-03-923185-2 |
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| ($81.95 spiral-bound) |
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| Musicanada 6: CDs ( Set of 3) |
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| ISBN 0-03-922238-1 |
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| ($62.95) |
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| Musicanada 6: Piano Accompaniments |
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| ISBN 0-03-921789-2 |
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| ($46.95 spiral-bound). |
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This time-tested resource was specially developed for use in Canadian classrooms.
The musical selections are now available on compact discs.
Written with the nonspecialist in mind, the teachers’ edition offers lesson plans, extension activities, enrichment ideas and background information.
Piano accompaniments are also available.
Suggested Use: Grade 6, Music
Musicians (Print-Non-Fiction). Strudwick, Leslie. (Women in Profile Series). Crabtree Publishing Company (CRA), 1998. 48 p. ISBN 0-7787-0009-7 ($19.16 hdc.). ISBN
0-7787-0031-3 ($9.86 pbk.).
(CAN) This book is a part of the Women in Profile Series which is dedicated to remarkable women who have triumphed in their respective fields. The lives and achievements of noted female musicians are chronicled in a short, easily read format. Background information, quick notes and photographs enhance each article. Artists include three Canadian women—Liona Boyd, Ofra Harnoy and Natalie MacMaster. A glossary, suggestions for further reading and an index are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level