Each academic year, Siena Heights University chooses a theme. The theme selected this year is “The Universal Language of Music.”
Students will read the book Music is History in their FYE course.
To prepare you for the traditional dinner discussion, the assignment below should be completed so that you can turn in a hard copy at the dinner on August 23rd. Other than asking that your narrative be double-spaced, any formatting is acceptable. Questions about the assignment can be sent to Julius Nagy at jnagy@sienaheights.edu.
PART 1: Write a well thought out narrative covering the following questions:
- What is your favorite piece of music? Any genre can be used.
- Who performs your favorite version? If performed by multiple artists, why is this version the one you prefer?
- Why is this piece your favorite?
- Who wrote this piece?
- When was the piece written?
- What is the story of the piece? Why was is written? What drove the writers to compose it?
- What is one item you learned about the piece as a result of doing this assignment? Research is appropriate, and Wikipedia may be used to find a primary reference; the reference must be cited at the bottom of your submission.
PART 2: Continue the assignment by discussing it with someone at least 20 years older than you. Ask them the following questions and continue your narrative.
- What is your relationship to the person you talked to about the assignment? Names are not necessary.
- What is their favorite piece of music? Any genre can be used.
- Who performs their favorite version? If performed by multiple artists, why is this version the one they prefer?
- Why is this piece their favorite?
- Who wrote this piece?
- When was the piece written?
- What is the story of the piece? Why was is written? What drove the writers to compose it?
- What is one item you learned about the piece as a result of doing this assignment? Research is appropriate, and Wikipedia may be used to find a primary reference; the reference must be cited at the bottom of your submission.
- Be sure to share anything you learned with the person you talked to about music.