This document outlines a WebQuest lesson for high school choir students to learn about belt techniques in musical theater. Students will work in groups to research the history of American musicals, define belting, learn about vocal anatomy and healthy belting techniques. They will identify potential vocal problems from improper belting and each post a YouTube video demonstrating belting to their blog with analysis. The teacher provides resources, guidance during class and evaluates students based on their work and applying techniques to their singing.

1. Belt Techniques for Women Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] A WebQuest for 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th Grade (Advanced Women’s Choir) Designed by Erin M. Voorhies [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

2. Introduction Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] The American musical is one of the most beloved and original art forms. Generations have enjoyed the performances of classic musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein and current audiences are flocking to shows like Wicked, The Producers, and Avenue Q. This WebQuest is designed for you to familiarize yourself with the musical, particularly the most commonly used vocal technique: belting.

5. Evaluation Example: Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 Score Content/ Completeness Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Accuracy of information Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Organization/Neatness Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Analysis/ Commentary Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Participation Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance.

6. Conclusion Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] It is my hope that you now have a clear understanding of American musical theatre and belting as a vocal technique. Your vocal health and safety is so important. Many of these tips and techniques can be carried over into your choral singing, so try to be aware of the process involved in vocal production and how your individual voice is feeling. I encourage you to consider these techniques in your own singing so that you can enjoy your voice for life.

7. Credits & References Student Page Title Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Credits [ Teacher Page ] Broadway Show Pictures: http://www.a2c2.org/conferences/acc2007/ACC2007_NYC_files/broadway_shows.jpgList http://within.autistics.org/musicals.jpg Websites Used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EbTKlWKWsc http://www.leannehoad.com.au/resourcecentre/singingtips/belting.asp http://www.theatrehistory.com/american/musical030.html http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com/VocalAnatomy.htm http://www.theatricalsinger.com/Journal/Healthy_Belting.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt_(music) http://www.ent-consult.com/voiceproblems.html http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.yorku.ca/earmstro/journey/images/nodules.jpg&imgrefurlhttp://www.yorku.ca/earmstro/journey/injuries.html&h=150&w=124&sz=4&hl=en&start=10&um=1&tbnid=9KM1ItMvmJSLOM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=79&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvocal%25 Here’s a link to The WebQuest Page and The WebQuest Slideshare Group so that you can check out other WebQuests and materials.

8. Belt Techniques for Women (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page A WebQuest for 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade (Advanced Women’s Choir) Designed by Erin M. Voorhies [email_address] Based on a template from The WebQuest Page Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

10. Learners (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page This lesson was used with my Advanced Women’s Choir. The ensemble is mostly made up of juniors and seniors, with a handful of sophomores. The lesson utilizes history, language arts, science, and technology. The singers in this group are very advanced and highly proficient in sight reading, ear training, and choral techniques. Many of the students study private voice, so they are familiar with general vocal production and the physicality of singing. Additionally, the voices are more developed and matured. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

14. Evaluation (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Each group will turn in their neatly organized Word document that they developed over the course of the WebQuest. Additionally, the students will each be individually graded on their video posting and descriptions on their blogs. The rubric below accounts for both of these sections and is based on the previously listed Music and National Standards. I will also be able to observe and listen to the students during choir rehearsals to determine if they have utilized any of these techniques and made any necessary improvements. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Exemplary 4 Score Content/ Completeness Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Accuracy of information Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Organization/Neatness Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Analysis/ Commentary Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance. Participation Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting a beginning level of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting development and movement toward mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting mastery of performance. Description of identifiable performance characteristics reflecting the highest level of performance.

15. Teacher Script (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Introduction: The American musical is one of the most beloved and original art forms. Generations have enjoyed the performances of classical musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein and current audiences flock to shows like Wicked, The Producers, and Avenue Q. This WebQuest is designed for you to familiarize yourself with musical theatre, particularly the most commonly used vocal technique: belting. Process: To accomplish this project, you will each need a computer with internet access and Microsoft Word. You will work in teams of 4 and will have a Task Manager, a Navigator, a Recorder, and an Organizer. The Task Manager will make sure that all the steps in the process are completed. The Navigator will be responsible for navigating to each website and finding the appropriate information. The Recorder will enter the necessary information into Microsoft Word. The Organizer will make sure that everything is neatly and creatively presented without any spelling or grammactical errors. To get started, simply follow the steps below and click on the links. I’ll be here to answer any questions, so feel free to ask for help. Just know that I won’t give you any answers, but instead guide you in the right direction. Good luck and have fun! Steps: First you'll be assigned to a team of 4 students and will determine who will act as the Task Manager, the Navigator, the Recorder, and the Organizer. Once you've picked a role to play, please navigate to the following site and watch the video. As a group, please make notes of any specific vocal or physical techniques that you see and please describe the vocal quality. Navigate to this link to define belting. Please discuss with one another and come up with a definition using your own words. Find out about the history of American musical theatre. Please make notes about significant composers, musicals, characteristics, etc. Check out this site for information about the vocal mechanisms involved in vocal production. Describe the main components and what they do. There are several important techniques specific to belting. Find out what makes a belt healthy and safe here and here . Record your findings in your own words. Take a look at some of these descriptions and pictures and of vocal problems that can occur with incorrect belting technique. Describe these problems in your own words and include solutions. Find a video from a musical on YouTube that demonstrates belting and post it to your blog. You can find the video together, but everyone should post it to there blog. Additionally, each person needs to write a short biography for the composer, performer, and a brief synopsis. Describe whether or not you think this performer is using a correct technique. Why or why not? This description should go underneath you posted video. Conclusion: It is my hope that you now have a clear understanding of American musical theatre and belting as a vocal technique. Your vocal health and safety is so important. Many of these tips and techniques can be carried over into your choral singing, so try to be aware of the process involved in vocal production and how your individual voice is feeling. I encourage you to consider these techniques in your own singing so that you can enjoy your voice for life. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

16. Conclusion (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page I think it is so important to make students aware of vocal production so that they are well-equipped to make smart choices about using their voice. By making this lesson interactive, the students become so much more involved and retain information for future use. This is also packaged with elements of history, literacy, science, and technology that are easily absorbed through the process of this WebQuest. Overall, the students enjoy learning and being able to construct their own understanding. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion

17. Credits & References (Teacher) [ Student Page ] Title Introduction Learners Standards Process Resources Credits Teacher Page Broadway Show Pictures: http://www.a2c2.org/conferences/acc2007/ACC2007_NYC_files/broadway_shows.jpgList http:// within.autistics.org/musicals.jpg Websites Used: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =2EbTKlWKWsc http://www.leannehoad.com.au/resourcecentre/singingtips/belting.asp http://www.theatrehistory.com/american/musical030.html http:// voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com/VocalAnatomy.htm http:// www.theatricalsinger.com/Journal/Healthy_Belting.htm http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt_(music ) http://www.ent-consult.com/voiceproblems.html http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.yorku.ca/earmstro/journey/images/nodules.jpg&imgrefurlhttp://www.yorku.ca/earmstro/journey/injuries.html&h=150&w=124&sz=4&hl=en&start=10&um=1&tbnid=9KM1ItMvmJSLOM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=79&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvocal%25 This is a link to The WebQuest Page and The WebQuest Slideshare Group so that you can acquire the latest version of this template and training materials. Evaluation Teacher Script Conclusion