November 26, 2013

Class Work

BALLADS!\\Ballads  Here is what they are!
http://www.poetrysoup.com/definition/ballad
http://www.poeticterminology.net/05-ballad-poems.htm

This was the homework:
Find a ballad. Listen to the music and story. Share the link on CANVAS and explain why you like or do not like the ballad.
Consider these sources:
Here is a list of 100 Rock and Roll ballads. These are not all "traditional" ballads. Find one you recognize. http://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_balladsddd.html You might be able to find a performance of it on YouTube.

Here is a link to some traditional ballads. http://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/BalladSearch.html
http://www.contemplator.com/folk.html

In addition,
Find a ballad from a culture of your choice. Tell the story in your own words. In a brief paragraph, share why you selected the ballad and explain how the ballad relates to the culture and/or historical event.

Let's share what you found. . .
************************************************

Together, let's explore a few more ballads.

Barbara Allen
http://www.etni.org.il/music/barbaraallen.htm (Watch the words as you listen to the song.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFHTJ08U_Fg
James Harris
http://www.poetryofscotland.co.uk/Ballads/daemon.php Short Version
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/child/ch243.htm

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT2G-OuRxVE

John Henry
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6vcvYJCkic
Read: http://www.elyrics.net/read/p/pete-seeger-lyrics/john-henry-lyrics.ht

Devil Went Down to Georgia
Words: http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/daniels-charlie/devil-went-down-to-georgia-10926.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgvfRSzmMoU Watch

Traditional Ballad Schemes
A
A
B
B

OR
A
B
C
B

Add a chorus . . . this may be short. . . nonsense words are fine!

Write a ballad of at least five stanzas and a chorus.  You may work with a group. Follow a prescribed rhyme scheme.

Ballads:

• Tell of a real event or not . . .
• Contain mystical or magical elements
• Focus on a larger-than-life character
• Can be work songs
• Might be love songs . . . usually tragic or sad
• Tell a story

Be ready to sing or chant on Tuesday! Post in CANVAS on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013. You may use the music from an existing ballad or song to help you along. (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star comes to mind.)