Rationale

For my creative expression I will script my own short (2 min.) show and illustrate somehow how it will look. I will do it this way to get a better understanding of what it means to be a choreographer and what they have to think of when they do their job. You have to understand what a script is and how to follow one before a lot in this industry.

Creative Expression

My idea for creative expression is to use a special computer program meant for choreographers that will allow me to script a short, 2-3 minute show. I will then either paint/sketch in about 25 frames how the show would look if it were to be fired.

This relates to my EQ by showing just how important the importance of having a well choreographed show with substance is. I will then be able to share what I learned, and what is important.

Interview 4 Questions

1. Based on your experience, what defines a successful display, or what makes a show successful?
2. What do you think are the most essential elements in a display?
3. What are the specific safety laws you have to follow?
4. How do you figure out which shells to fire at what time? Is there a script?
5. What can you tell me about choreography? Do all shows need to be choreographed?
6. How important is safety in terms of a show?
7. Which, do you think is more essential between safety and choreography? Why?
8. What are all the different mediums of shows? Which is the most common?
9. Where is the future of pyrotechnics going? Is it getting more popular with technology advances or is it becoming less popular?
10. Does the occasion of a display affect the power of it?
11. When you're thinking of an idea for a show, what do you have in mind?
12. Can you please explain the process of executing a show?
13. What is the role of clients in a display?
14. What about fire marshals?
15. How closely do the choreographers work with the actual crew team? Clients?
16. Do clients interfere a lot, or do they let you do your work?
17. Describe the best client to have, in your opinion.
18. When executing displays, what is your main priority: pleasing the client, pleasing the audience, or winning awards?
19. What are some problems that have occurred in any of your previous displays? Why did they happen and what did you and your crew do to fix them?
20. What is the most important aspect of a successful pyrotechnic display?

Independent Study 2 Approval

1) I plan on doing the same things I did for my first independent study, attend seminars for valuable information  I can use to help answer my EQ and help out with shows. The only difference will be that I turn 18 soon, and will be able to handle product, be an actual part of the crew, and start the program required to earn my operators license.

2) Many of the seminars teach about safety and what is needed in order to successfully put on a show, which is pretty much my essential question and 2 of my answers.

Independent Study 1

1.

10/05/10 - I attended a seminar for 5 hours in Rialto on Pyro 101, the certificate is posted elsewhere.

11/23/10 - I went to a fireworks show in San Gabriel High School from 6 P.M. to 11 P.M. and helped set up and learn about the product. 

02/05-06/11 - I attended three shows that lasted all day for Lunar New Years from 8 A.M - 2 P.M. 

02/08/11 - I attended a seminar in Cerritos for 7 hours that incorporated Pyro 101, 201, and 301.

2.

3. Complete the LIA:

Literal

(a) I, Jack Lift, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work. 

(b) Mostly i went to seminars that allowed me to learn more about fireworks show, but I also helped unload boxes, build A-frames, string firecrackers, and setup mortar racks at shows.

Interpretive

Since I'm not 18 yet, the most I can do is help at consumer fireworks shows and help setup anything that isn't product. I believe the seminars are a great alternative as I learn a lot of valuable information in them that help me answer my EQ such as safety issues as well as knowing your product.

Applied

From what I have learned in attending shows, Fire Marshals play a large part in monitoring the show and making sure everything is safe. This leads me to believe that safety is a very important aspect in successful fireworks shows. I also learned that choreography is not as large a deal as it seems, as many shows are consumer fireworks displays and must be done according to the client.

ESLR Check

1. This semester, I have been an effective learner by taking good notes in all my classes and paying attention instead of doing other work in class. I've learned to also stop procrastinating as much, because more homework and Senior Project along with Young Scholars has been a lot to do. To me, being an effective learner just means trying your hardest to understand and work on the content being taught, which is what I have been doing. Not to mention I've had perfect attendance this semester, and haven't missed anything important.

2. Senior Project has made me more of an effective learner because all the work and research has taught me to not only do the work for a grade, but to do it because of the want for knowledge. Sometimes I will get extra research for a research check because I feel that I could be learning more, and I also take an interest in my project because of the fact that it is self guided.

3. Next semester, I will continue to be an effective learner by doing all my work when it is assigned, and continuing to take notes in my classes. I will also ask for help more often whenever I don't understand a topic, and help my fellow classmates if they need it. This semester, I didn't do a great job of keeping important dates written down in my agenda, because I would forget about something until the day before it was due, so I can do a better job of keeping track of important due dates.

Interview 3 Questions

1. How important is choreography in a display?
2. Can you tell me about how larger and smaller displays differ?
3. What are some of the larger shows you have done?
4. How do you figure out which shells to fire at what time? Is there a script?
5. How closely do operators work with choreographers? Their clients? Fire Marshals?
6. What problems did you face in gaining your license?
7. How important is a license to transport hazmat? How did you get yours?
8. What are some problems that have occurred in any of your previous displays? Why did they happen and what did you and your crew do to fix them?
9. Do you see the pyrotechnic industry as growing or becoming less important in the future?
10. Based on your personal experience, what defines a successful display?

10 Hour Service Learning Check

1. My service learning mentor is Robert Bronner, a licensed pyrotechnic operator for Pyro Spectacular.

2. Mostly, I just shadow, because you have to be 18 to handle product. During some 1.4G (consumer fireworks) shows, however, I can get hands on experience with the fireworks. Also, I work as a spotter, standing outside of the fallout zone watching for duds and recording their location. This helps me to get an idea of what this field is like.

3. I've learned a lot about the technical specifications that need to be followed along with the social aspects of dealing with clients.

Independent Study Update

1) I have chosen to attend seminars on pyrotechnics 101, 201, and 301 presented by licensed operators of Pyro Spectacular, and to help them with their shows as well.

2)This is related to my EQ because it helps me understand what is important in doing shows. The instructors talk about the importance of safety, how shells work, and a lot more.

3) So far, I have attended pyro 101, and have learned the basics. The next seminar will be in April, and I will be 18 by then, and able to help in shows. My next step is to find a sooner seminar to get more hours done quickly.

What I've Learned So Far

1) In regards to my senior project, I have learned a lot about the composition of many different fireworks, how and when they are effectively used, and a lot of the specific safety requirements that need to be observed under California law. I learned all this from an introductory class I took, the certificate is shown below.

Defining your Essential Question

1) What is the most important aspect that contributes to a successful pyrotechnic display?

2)  Most important aspect: The aspect that is of the greatest significance in terms of contributing to success.

Successful: Obtaining a desired or positive outcome.
 
Pyrotechnic display: Mainly fireworks put together in a sequence to go along with music or another guide.

3) Safety, occasion and choreography.

4) So far my most important source is my second interview with licensed pyrotechnician Robert Bronner of Pyro Spectacular.

Interview 2 Questions

1. What was it about pyrotechnics that made you want to have a career in it?
2. How long have you worked in the pyrotechnic industry and who do you work for?
3. What kind of work do you do when it comes to creating displays?
4. What college did you go to, and what did you major in?
5. What classes or subjects should I study to get a better understanding of pyrotechnics?
6. Is this your ideal job, or would you want to do something else?
7. Has any of your work been accredited or awarded somehow?

Essential Question

What is most important to consider in creating a successful pyrotechnical display?

a) This question is open ended as many answers such as safety, aesthetics, and multiple others could be brought up and defended.
b) This question allows you to take a stance because the phrase most important allows for a broad range of answers, many of which could be argued to be the most important aspect.
c) The framework for studies includes chemistry involved in making the pyrotechnic devices, engineering required in creating precise equipment, and physics/math in timing of the display.