Performing Arts – Piano Senior Project Guide

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Overview

Georgia 4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime. Through a competitive process, students explore their interests, unleash their creativity, share their work, and celebrate their achievements! This guide provides 9th – 12th graders with examples for getting started with their project exploration.

Overview of Project Achievement Process

1) Choose project
2) Develop skills in leadership and service
3) Prepare portfolio for work completed from January 1 – December 31
4) Prepare presentation
5) Practice
6) Compete
7) Reflect

Description of Performing Arts – Piano Project

4-H’ers may explore areas of expression by showcasing the skills they have learned on the piano. Through this project 4-H’ers may:

• develop an appreciation for appropriate use of leisure time
• express originality and creativity through your performance
• identify different methods of expression through vocal, dance, or instrumental performances with an emphasis on piano
• acquire an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of those supporting performers during performances
• explore career opportunities in the area of performing arts

Each Performing Arts Piano Participant will prepare and present a 4 minute performance that includes a short introduction. Talent acts should primarily include playing the piano, and contestants must use the piano provided at the contest. No accompaniment is permitted

Examples of Project Development Experiences

• Take lessons, instrumental workshops, or camps
• Choose appropriate music based on your preferred genre
• Learn to play by chord charts and write your own music/compositions
• Attend professional performances, attend concerts, or watch performers online
• Interview music teachers, trainers, or professional pianists
• Have yourself critiqued by a professional pianist – Remember practice makes perfect!
• Participate in your school, community, or church performance groups
• Audition for performing groups, such as Georgia 4-H Clovers & Company, symphony orchestra, jazz band, etc.
• Enter talent shows or competitions
• Organize a song book of selections for community performances
• Research musical careers and music programs at schools, colleges, or universities

Project Sharing and Helping Examples

• Form a performing arts group to perform for other 4-H’ers, your community, or at district or statewide events
• Start a project club for younger 4-H’ers and teach performance techniques— perform at elder homes, theaters, festivals, etc.
• Plan your own 4-H Variety Show, such as Valentine Variety Show, Christmas Clover Concert, etc.
• Create your own song review with younger students
• Make musical instruments and teach younger kids to play
• Volunteer to assist the band, chorus, or drama coordinator as a leader for new students
• Mentor a younger 4-H’er in a Performing Arts project
• Teach the basics of piano to younger kids
• Research benefits of music education and share with others
• Promote National Music in our Schools Month

Special Considerations

• Consider your ability and level of skill when choosing your performance piece.
• Technique and musicianship count as 40 points of your total
score! This includes meter, melody, fingering, accents, legato/staccato, precision, hand position/coordination, and pedal usage.
• Consider filming yourself to critique your performance.
• Be sure to consider the 4-H Code of Conduct to be certain your selection is appropriate, including any song, dress, etc.
• Make sure you time yourself. Including your introduction, you have a total of 4 minutes.
• Practice a brief introduction that includes your name, county, length of study, name of selection, and composer. You may also choose to include the song’s origin/history.
• Think of a way to enhance your stage presence when performing your piano piece.

Recommended Resources

• Georgia4h.org/ProjectAchievement
• atlanta.broadway.com
• foxtheatre.org
• music.uga.edu
• youtube.com
• Atlanta Symphony and other symphonies
• nafme.org
• aep-arts.org

At Competition

Performers must play the provided piano. No accompaniment is allowed. Participants will be judged on their introduction, techniques and musicianship, interpretation, presentation, selection, and time.

Acts are limited to 4 minutes total. Youth are required to use the microphones provided at the contest.

Prepared by: Cheryl Varnadoe, Keri Hobbs, and Rachel Grimsley
Reviewed by: Melinda Miller and Jason Estep