Scaffold

Year: 2008

Concept(s): Pitch, D&ET

Topic / genre: Traditional

Composer / artist: Paredes, Bob

Excerpt title: Bulgar Frailach

Excerpt length: 1:15

Question:

02. Comment on the use of PITCH, DYNAMICS and EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES in this excerpt.

Question 2

Criteria	Marks
Comments in detail on the use of pitch and expressive techniques in the excerpt, and uses appropriate examples to support response. Demonstrates a high level of aural understanding with well-supported observations, including detailed descriptions of musical events. Answer may contain some inaccurate observations.	7-8
Comments on the use of pitch and expressive techniques in the excerpt and uses examples to support response. Demonstrates aural understanding, including descriptions of musical events. Answer may contain some inaccurate observations.	5-6
Makes some comment on the use of pitch and expressive techniques in the excerpt and uses some examples to support response Demonstrates some aural understanding, but often makes generalisations and may not provide supporting examples.	3-4
Demonstrates limited aural understanding of the use of pitch and expressive techniques in this excerpt.	1-2

In better responses, candidates:

clearly addressed all aspects of the question and clearly understood the concepts required
provided a well-structured, concise response and supported observations with detailed references to musical events
demonstrated a thorough understanding of musical terminology and used terms accurately
identified all three areas of the question (pitch, dynamics and expressive techniques), addressed them specifically, and were able to discuss many aspects of each concept (melody, harmony, tonality, etc)
discussed the question fluently, using examples, diagrams and notation where appropriate
clearly related dynamics and pitch features to different sections
correctly identified clarinet and accordion as the performing media and specific expressive techniques used.

In weaker responses, candidates:

had little detail in their answers and often repeated information
structured answers poorly and included irrelevant or poorly labelled diagrams
made irrelevant comments, or described subjective, emotive or extra-musical events
did not support their answers with descriptions of specific musical events heard
made broad sweeping generalisations which could apply to many pieces of music
did not address all aspects of the question
discussed the concepts clearly
linked answers to interest, unity, variety, etc, instead of the concepts specified in the question
used terminology inaccurately, eg ‘pitch is getting louder’, ‘rhythm is high’, ‘ostinato’ instead of ‘sequence’
could not aurally discriminate between harmony layer and countermelody
described expressive techniques in terms of words associated with other instruments, eg ‘hammer-ons and pull-offs’ for the clarinet and accordion.

2008 Q2 - HSC Music 1 aural exam revision