User:Oe Ke Spring 2008

Objective I propose to create a YouTube Video that documents why high school students in Appalachia Ohio attach themselves and buy into successful after school activities.

Interest This is interesting because Appalachia Ohio is known for its poverty levels. Students are not given the luxuries of the "big city" school systems. The ultimate question is, why do students want to be involved in something successful that occurs after school? Are their needs not being met during school? Is it the feeling of belonging they get while being part of a total group effort? Do they feel that they are able to "find" themselves better in a group setting? My focus group will be The Alexander Tone Definites, an after school choir program celebrating its 4th year of existance. The group is run & supported entirely by students. Fundraising, advertising, publicity, concert programming, and other aspects of the organization are controlled by the students without parent influence. While there are other successful organizations in many fields, my focus will be on music.

Background reading 1. I will read more about Symbolic Interaction & Attachment. I feel there is a direct link to these sociological principals. I will also read more about the Control Theory. This will help me to better indicate the reasons for the success of the individual and the organization.

2. I will also do research on other successful after school music organizations. What do they have in common with The Alexander Tone Definites(ATD)? What makes ATD better? What could they improve?

General Plan My general plan is to start the video by describing the school district & Appalachia Ohio. What are the weaknesses & strengths? I will then focus my video on pictures from various organizations throughout the school, ending with pictures from The Alexander Tone Definites.

As the video moves on, I will feature three sets of interviews, each with 7-9 questions. 1. Two students from inside the group (one new & one established) 2. One or two parents 3. One faculty member or community member.

Interview questions will focus on what the group means to them (student, communinty, parent). What they feel the organization has acheived. What positives has the organization done for each of them and what things make the organization unique and successful.

Throughout the interview, I will feature examples (pictures or video) of what people are talking about (activities the group particpates in, etc..). I will also tie the questions & examples using the Control Theory into a summary about why these organizations are successful.

Collaborators Though it will be hard, with my minimal experience in video & film technology, I plan on prusing this prject by myself, with some minimal help with some friends outside of class.