Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Boomwhacker Compositions

Excuse our noise... musicians at work! :)

After reviewing rhythm patterns at the beginning of the year, 3rd grade classes began working on layering rhythm patterns together. This is one of the more difficult skills that they will work on so I like to start early. By playing contrasting patterns together, students have to show proficiency in steady beat and rhythm counting. After lots of practice, and doing class layering activities like this, the students got into groups and began working on their own composition projects!

I always love it when people come into the music room while students are collaborating with instruments. They always say, "How in the world do you stand this noise??" It does get a little noisy but it is so neat to watch the groups collaborate and come up with great ideas together. I guess it is a sound only a music teacher could love. haha! ;) Here's a little sample of their group practice sessions:


To give the students a little inspiration, I like to show a few examples before they start their projects. Here are a few that I found on YouTube of a group of music teachers demonstrating their own Boomwhacker group creations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU8TPYGpptA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzsG5Ush6uE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjx2xQLJB9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV1qMmrUouo



Afterwards, the groups watched a video of their performance and then did a group self-assessment. I used Shannon's idea from "Music Room Magic" to create the rubric. They rated themselves on the following categories:
1. Did everyone know their part? Was everyone involved?
2. Did the rhythms fit together? Was their a consistent steady beat?
3. Was the form clear the audience?
4. Did the piece flow? Did you keep going no matter what?












Update: After many requests, I have decided to share my Boomwhacker Project Worksheet! Click here if you'd like to download a copy. :)

25 comments:

  1. Is there any way that I can have a pdf file of your composition page and rubric? I would love to use something similar with my students!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to have your composition page and rubric too! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa!
      I'd love to send my worksheet to you. Can you send me your e-mail when you get a chance? Thanks! :)

      Delete
    2. Could I please have one too? It's scepulli@yahoo.com

      Thanks so much!

      Delete
    3. Hi! After so many requests, I decided to share my worksheet publically. It is attached to the bottom of this blog post. :)

      Delete
  3. I would also love a copy! can send you my email address! what a lovely idea!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'd love a copy of your amazing worksheet, tooooo! Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello, is it to late to still get your wonderful worksheets? If it is thank you for your sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is a great resource for composition! May I please have a copy of your worksheets? Here is my email address
    carleyt@dennmark.k12.wi.us

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love a copy of your worksheets! Email is carleyt@denmark.k12.wi.us
    THANKS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would love a copy of your worksheets! Email is elizabeth.reicher@grandviewc4.net.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would love a copy of your worksheets! Email is elizabeth.reicher@grandviewc4.net

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would like a copy of your worksheets as well! What a great idea! My email is: anniekincaid59@gmail.com. Thank-you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I LOVE this!! Please, please share the worksheet/rubric with me too. :) My kiddos would love it! katie.hurley@bartow.k12.ga.us

    ReplyDelete
  12. this is WONDERFUL! May I please have a copy as well? My students would love it! katie.hurley@bartow.k12.ga.us WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is fantasic. I would also love to get a copy of our worksheet/rubric too please. My email is petra.sitsky@bigpond.com
    Thanks so much for this

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi there,
    Would I be able to get a copy as well? I am really looking forward to doing this project with my classes!
    Brenda
    bmckay@brsd.ab.ca

    ReplyDelete
  15. Could I get a copy as well? Thank you so much!
    bspeegle@jefcoed.com
    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  16. Can you please send me a copy of the Boomwhacker Composition Page? derooc@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just saw the link to the outline. Thanks so much for sharing!! I am looking forward to trying this in the new year.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Could I also have a copy of the worksheet and rubric?! This is wonderful!
    cynthia.e.carroll@icloud.com
    Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi there, I would love your rubric for this assignment. I am starting this project with my grade 3's. I love this idea to finish off our boomwhacker unit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The worksheet I use is attached above. The rubric needs to be geared toward your students' ability and whatever specific skills you are working on. I hope that helps! :)

      Delete