October 22, 2013 Dear Students at [insert school name here], It has recently come to our attention that

aliens have been watching and studying earth for some time now. While they dont seem to be preparing for a hostile takeover, they do seem to be interested in one thing: our music notation. They are desperate to bring written music back to their planets, but because they dont speak English, no one can teach them the basic concepts. This is where you come in, if you are up to the challenge. We would like you to develop a way for the aliens to understand the concept music notation without needing to speak any language we understand. But wait! Theres more! Not only do the aliens not speak English, but they also seem to be angered by the way we write music down! They want readable music for their planet, but wish to have their own notation system. Using the skills weve developed in class, create a guide for understanding the basics of music (time signature, note values, the staff and treble clef notes). You may not write any directions, solfge or letter names; you must create your own system. Create your system first, then an easy-to-understand guide; they will be graded separately. Finally, rewrite the given song in a way that will not anger the aliens. Remember: using the 5-line staff may anger them enough to cause future negotiations to break down, so be sure not to use it at all! Your country thanks you in advance for your help and hard work. Sincerely, NASA

Coates October 2013

Music Notation Checklist

Each item will be graded on completion, school-appropriateness and effort.
Music Notation System Rough Draft (10 points) __ Explanation of Time Signature (2 points) __ Explanation of Note Values (2 points) __ Explanation of The Staff (2 points) __ Explanation of Treble Clef Notes (3 points) __ Using other methods of explanation than English (1 points) Rewritten Sheet Music (2 points) ___ Rough draft of rewritten sheet music ___ Final draft of rewritten sheet music Peer Revisions & Constructive Criticism (4 points) ___ Fill out a constructive criticism sheet for at least two of your peers. This will happen between the rough draft and final copy. Do not go on to your final copy without having two cc sheets! ___ Show evidence of revising based on your peer CC sheets. Guide to Your Music Notation System (5 points) ___ Printed/Handwritten Guidebook Must be neat, and must include all elements of your system. Once you have finished, I will make copies of your guidebook for the whole class to keep. NASA Submission Packet (4 points)

Please include elements in this order:

___ Rough draft of notation system ___ Rough draft of rewritten sheet music ___ Two Constructive Criticism sheets from peers ___ Final draft of rewritten sheet music ___ Guide to Your Music Notation System

Coates October 2013