State of New York
Executive Chamber
Office of the Commissioner

Harvey Bigbucks
Commissioner

May 22nd, 2005

Dear Superhero:

     The city of New York is under the grips of a major crime organization called the Fedaration of Evildoers And Rotten-scoundrels (F.E.A.R.).  Our major super heroes have vanished without a trace, and I fear that they have been taken captive by these villains.

     As I am sure you can guess, you, Super Hero, are the only one who can save this fair city from the clutches of F.E.A.R.  I have looked at your resume, and it appears that everything is in order, even graduating at the top of your class at super hero academy, but there is one thing that is missing-something that every super hero must have in order to fight crime and bring justice to all:  a theme song.

     While fighting the injustices of the world, you must show those evil-doers who means business, and a theme song always let's them know who is on their case.  Every major hero who has ever lived has had a theme, and the people of New York will have nothing less than the best when it comes to their protectors!

     Before you can come save this fair town, you must have a theme song, or else ... the fair city will succumb to these vile villains.  Can we count on you?  I knew we could!  My secretary will give you the details with this letter.  Good luck hero, and do hurry, I cannot stand to see F.E.A.R.  wrought, well, fear upon my city.

Good luck Hero,

Harvey Bigbucks

Superhero:

The Commissioner has informed me of what he wants you to do, so I have prepared a list on his behalf of what is needed for you to become the new Superhero of New York City and save us from the clutches of F.E.A.R.

The list is as follows:

1.)  In order to become familiar with the use of theme songs, you must first understand where the idea of themes started, and more importantly, when they began to become integral in identifying with a main character, such as yourself.  In order to prove that you know what you are doing when you create your theme, there is a little bit of background work we would like you to accomplish:

-You will need to research the history of theme songs for characters, and objects, and then write an essay of no more than 500~750 words in length.  This essay must be double spaced and type written in 12 point Times New Roman font.  Please include your name (real name, and your new superhero one), date, and title of the essay.
The following questions should be addressed:
     -How are themes from these time periods used to identify with a hero, or characters in general (Wagenr, films, and superheroes)?
     -How does the use of these themes relate to Richard Wagner, the opera Lohengrin, Elsa's Procession?

-To make your job easier, we have included several websites that you can use in your research, but feel free to expand upon them and branch out to other sites on the web (just remember to use proper citations when taking direct quotes or paraphrasing):

http://www.trell.org/wagner/motifs.html
http://www.trell.org/wagner/starwars.html
http://www.worldhistory.com/wiki/L/Leitmotif.htm
 

2.)  To complete your resume as a superhero, you must create your own theme song to play when you are coming in to save the day.  Some other towns, like Albuquerque, feel no need for their superheroes to have theme songs, but we are the great city of New York, and we deserve the best.  Because we are looking for a quality superhero, the following requirements are necessary for the theme:

-The overall length should be 16-32 measures
-The theme must be playable on your instrument in band.
-The theme/motive must be apparent, and should be about 2-4 actual measures in length.
-The theme must be done on 5 stave staff paper (www.musicsheaf.com)
-You must include your real name, but the title of the piece is the name of your superhero.
-Be creative, this is your theme song!

Again, here is a website that you may find useful in creating a theme for your superhero:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/resources/tvthemes/

Hint:  Try also searching for Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Superman for other ideas.

Note:  This portion of the assignment is to be recorded and turned in on a tape to the director's office along with the written music of the theme (both must include name).

3.)  The completion of this resume is a short (200~300 word) essay describing your theme song, and discussing how you used the idea of themes/motives to create it.

Finally, you will be evaluated on the above 3 areas, and your grade will be determined on how well you meet these requirements.

Best of luck,

Secretary to Harvey Bigbucks

Category

5 points

State of New York
Executive Chamber
Office of the Commissioner

Harvey Bigbucks
Commissioner

In the near future

Dear Superhero:

    I wish to congratulate you on your new them song, and I hope to see you as soon as possible, so you can rescue the other super heroes and save New York city from F.E.A.R.

     With this new theme song, I hope you understand the importance of themes and motives when used with heroes such as yourself.  Richard Wagner used them for his characters, and many movies (many of which you know) identify characters with these themes.

     I wish you best of luck with your crime fighting, and the city of New York thanks you.

Sincerely,

Harvey Bigbucks