Seward County Community College has hit a new high note this year with a brand new humanities course: Film Music Appreciation. The class, created by second-year instrumental music instructor Claire Thompson, offers the class on Tuesdays and Thursdays exploring the scores from their favorite movies, television shows and even video games.
Replacing the former Jazz Appreciation course, the class goes through the history of film music from the early 20th century’s Silent Era to today’s blockbusters. Throughout the class, students analyze how music shapes storytelling, study legendary composers, and discover the roots of modern soundtracks.
“I truly feel like students today get their classical music experience from going to the movies,” said Thompson, “It’s a more modern take on music and how the classical realm really shaped film music as we listen to it today.”
The class in particular teaches students to listen critically.
“Sometimes when we watch a scene, I’ll ask about the music and the kids will be like, ‘Oh, we weren’t listening,’” Thompson explained. “We’re trying to learn how to separate the two and really listen to what’s going on musically. It’s a lightbulb moment.”
That new approach resonated with some students. Kai Howery, a student in the class, compared it to the music appreciation course he previously tried.
“The music appreciation class – the standard one – I actually tried it, and I ended up dropping out of it because I just was not quite as interested in music as a whole from years and years ago,” Howery said. “Whereas film music is a lot more modern. If you’re looking for an appreciation class related to your own interests and you do like movies, I cannot recommend it enough.”
The class also goes into music that is often overlooked.
“Video game music is huge,” Thompson noted. “A lot of effort and work go into creating it, same thing with television. The music for ‘Game of Thrones’ is incredible. That is not what TV music used to be like.”
Magda Silva, SCCC’s vocal music instructor, sees the class as a valuable new option that connects music history to modern culture.
“It really aligns with music history because composers are inspired by classical masters,” she said. “But it hones in on how that affects film. It’s a neat class, I’ve sat in on it, and I’m kind of jealous I’m not taking it.”
For Thompson, the core of the class lies in connecting with students and their passions.
“It’s been great, a different way of seeing my students just kind of opening up with what they like,” she said. “We’re talking about music that’s coming out currently today.”
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