Scaffold

Year: 2009

Concept(s): Duration, Compare

Topic / genre: Australian music

Composer / artist: Roach, Archie

Excerpt title: Took the Children Away

Excerpt length: 2:13

Question:

03. COMPARE the use of DURATION in the two versions of Took the Children Away.

Question 3

Criteria	Marks
Compares in a detailed manner the composer’s use of duration in both versions Demonstrates a high level of aural understanding with well-supported observation, including detailed descriptions of both versions. Answer may contain some inaccurate observations	7-8
Compares the composer’s use of duration in both versions Demonstrates aural understanding, with supporting observations including descriptions of both versions. Answer may contain some inaccuracies	5-6
Compares some aspects of the composer’s use of duration in both versions Demonstrates some aural understanding, but often makes generalisations and may not provide supporting examples	3-4
Demonstrates limited aural understanding of the use of duration in both versions	1-2

In better responses, candidates:

provided well-structured responses and supported observations with detailed references to musical events
used musical terminology effectively
demonstrated a clear understanding of the concept of duration, including metre, rhythmic units, note lengths and differences in rhythmic phrases
differentiated the rhythmic roles of the various layers of performing media
accurately notated or described individual rhythmic patterns/motifs within the excerpts
drew conclusions using references to other relevant concepts such as expressive techniques
recognised the use of triplets in the vocal part
recognised the use of vocal harmony in version one.

In weaker responses, candidates:

provided very brief answers
made little reference to the music or the question
used inaccurate terminology
focused on other musical concepts with little or no reference to duration
made generalised statements without providing supporting evidence
referred to duration as the actual length of the excerpt
included diagrams that were irrelevant
made value judgements or gave anecdotal comments relating to the lyrical content such as ‘sounds sad because the children were taken away’.

2009 Q3 - HSC Music 1 aural exam revision