Lessons Nine to Fifteen
(Option D): Creating a Film Soundtrack of My Life

Students in Arts Education 30 may be in the process of preparing for their graduation ceremony. This event will mark a significant passage in their lives. As suggested in the dance strand, ask students to discuss other events that mark significant stages in people's lives. Some events might include: birth, birthday parties, entering kindergarten, learning to ride a bike, losing a tooth, graduating from grade eight, falling in love for the first time, getting a driver's license, graduating from high school, leaving university, getting a job, coping with a serious illness, getting married or divorced, winning a sports event or other competition, changing jobs, giving birth, entering a nursing home, losing a loved one, attending religious ceremonies such as baptisms or funerals, buying a first house, having grandchildren, retiring, etc.

•express their own ideas and intentions through composing, using criteria arrived at through discussion with the teacher

•continue to demonstrate understanding of the ways in which the elements of music and principles of composition are used and organized to affect the ideas and intent of the music

Students can work on this project in small groups or individually. They will be creating a film soundtrack that reflects the important stages and events in a person's life. The person can be fictitious, or the group or individual student might assume the identity of a real person. Students could also choose to record their own life to date, or imagine their lives in the future.

Assist the students in creating storyboards that will help them to structure the film soundtrack. Refer to Media Studies resources listed in the Arts Education bibliography for information on the creation of storyboards.

Have the students create the film soundtrack by playing their own instruments, creating their own soundscapes and/or selecting recorded music that will represent several significant stages in their subject's life. The soundtracks could include bits of narration, poems, journal entries, etc.

Presenting the Film Soundtracks

Some students may perform their soundtracks live for the class. Others might create an audio tape of their soundtracks. The soundtracks could be accompanied by slides, video or other visuals to provide insights into the various life stages or events being depicted. Students might also choose to include dramatic tableaux with the help of other students. For information on tableau refer to the drama section of the Planning Guide.

•generate and evaluate alternative solutions to problems (CEL: CCT)

Encourage students to stretch their imaginations for presentation of their ideas.