We LOVE Stomp!

Our annual Stomp Trash Percussion Projects are complete! The 4th and 5th graders had a great time putting together these performances as they practiced composing and performing layering rhythm patterns. They were in charge of every aspect of their performance - from rhythms, to instruments, to form! It is amazing to see their growth from year to year when completing these projects.

If you are new to the blog, you can find out information about these projects here, here, and here. :)

Here is a quick video compilation of some of my favorite projects:

StOmP TiMe!

It's Stomp time again! :) (a.k.a. the LOUDEST time of the year in the music room)

My 4th and 5th grade classes have culminated their rhythm review unit by composing and performing a project inspired by the percussion group, Stomp. I use this project as a way for the students to practice layering contrasting rhythm patterns. The students really enjoy this activity and look forward to it each year. Because I've done it for several years in a row, I've accumulated some really great "trash percussion" instruments. Here are a few of my favorites:

After each group performs their project, I have them answer a few questions about their performance, take each group's picture, and display their projects in the hall:

Here are a few clips from their performances:

The Cup Game

When things start winding down at school and the students attention span becomes shorter and their activeness increases, I like to pull out a lot of movement activities.  One of my students' favorites is "The Cup Game."  It is like a rhythm hand-clapping game and a passing game combined.  I learned it many years ago at camp and I usually have a handful of students in each class that already know it.  I use those students to tutor anyone who needs help. 

I use the following poem to help teach the movements: 

I found this poem and visual in the 5th grade Gameplan Curriculum by Randy DeLelles and Jeff Kriske.  I taught the poem line by line and then took away the words a few at a time until the students had it memorized.  Then each student received a plastic cup and we worked on each section slowly.  After demonstrating each set of movements, I had the students practice with a partner.  Once they learned the entire sequence, they got into teams of 4 and tried out the passing part of the game.  Eventually we were able to pass the cups around the circle with the whole class.  

  

As an extention, I had the students suggest songs that we could use to accompany the game.  We tried everything from Sousa Marches to Michael Jackson to One Direction.  Since the rhythm pattern is 4 measures long in 4/4 time, many familiar songs can be used!

I also picked out a few fun videos for them to enjoy:

Stomp Display

I do not usually have very much student work to display since my students' "work" happens during our class performances.  However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show off the 4th and 5th grade Stomp Projects.  Each group completed a worksheet to show the rhythms they chose, the instruments they played, and an explanation of their performance.  The students really enjoy finding their group's work in the display and checking out all of the pictures! 

 Update: After many requests, I have decided to share my Stomp: Trash Percussion Group Project! Click here if you would like to download a copy. :)



Stomp: Trash Percussion Projects

Have you ever heard of Stomp?  Stomp is a percussion ensemble that uses a variety of everyday objects as percussion instruments.  It combines rhythmic percussion, movement, and physical comedy.  The group originated in London, England but now has companies that perform on Broadway and at venues all over the world. 

My students LOVE Stomp!!  How could you not??  Their performances are engaging, funny, and very impressive!  Recently in music class, 4th and 5th graders used Stomp performances as inspiration for their own rhythmic performance.  Check out some of their favorite video clips:



 

 

 

  

And their favorite ...

 

  

The classes LOVED doing their own version of Stomp!  They brought in all kind of trash/recyclable items to use for their instruments such as cardboard boxes, plastic containers, and tin cans.

 



 

They worked with small groups to create a performance piece using contrasting rhythm patterns performed on their trash percussion instruments.  Some groups used props, created choreography, or added their own dose of Stomp humor!  ツ  I was so proud of their creative compositions!