Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Retired AFL star Adam Goodes is known to many for his resilient journey in the face of detrimental treatment by AFL spectators and the media beginning in 2013.
In this lesson, students will experiment with a variety of composition techniques to create a film score for a short clip from The Final Quarter. Students consider the value of using pre-existing material, loops and melodic themes when composing for film. Students develop skills in the use of digital recording and editing software and techniques and reflect on their compositions.
Using only archival footage aired at the time, The Final Quarter holds a mirror to Australia and is an opportunity to reconsider what happened on and off the football field. Learn more about the film here.
We highly recommend that students view the film in its entirety before participating in subsequent lessons. Our Watching the Film lessons are designed to support you in facilitating this process. Given the content, it is also important for teachers to communicate with parents and guardians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students before playing the film and/or engaging with the teaching and learning resources.
Note: This film may not be suitable for viewing by all young people. Teachers are advised to use their discretion when deciding whether to show this film. If teaching in a context with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, it is imperative that guidance is sought from the Principal and Aboriginal Education Officer (or equivalent) prior to screening the film.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand how to combine musical elements to create mood.
- Students understand how to apply different composition techniques in film scores.
- Students understand the benefit of using melodic themes in film scores.
- Students understand how musical loops work.
- Students can use digital equipment to record and edit music.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Years 7 & 8 Music:
- Experiment with texture and timbre in sound sources using aural skills (ACAMUM092)
- Develop musical ideas, such as mood, by improvising, combining and manipulating the elements of music (ACAMUM093)
- Structure compositions by combining and manipulating the elements of music using notation (ACAMUM095)
Syllabus outcomes: MUS4.4, MUS4.7, MUS4.8
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (OI.6, OI,9)
Relevant parts of Years 7 & 8 achievement standards:
Students identify and analyse how the elements of music are used in different styles and apply this knowledge in their performances and compositions.
Students manipulate the elements of music and stylistic conventions to compose music. They interpret, rehearse and perform songs and instrumental pieces in unison and in parts, demonstrating technical and expressive skills. They use aural skills, music terminology and symbols to recognise, memorise and notate features, such as melodic patterns in music they perform and compose.
Topic: Learning Through Film, Social Issues, Indigenous Education, Creative Thinking
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Composing For Film – Music – Years 7-10
Time required: 100 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – support students with activities and the use of relevant software, applications or instruments.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Equipment capable of recording and editing sound and music files
- Selection of sound loops and/or applications (see lesson preparation notes)
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Keywords: music, elements, musical elements, The Final Quarter, film, documentary, Adam Goodes, score, film score, soundtrack, compose, composition, Garage Band, Audacity, recording.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
