Our Kindergarten students have been learning all about the classroom percussion instruments. They've learned their names and how to play them with correct technique. Recently, they learned that we can categorize these instruments into 3 groups: Woods, Metals, and Skins.
After learning to categorize the instruments, I show the students how we can use a shape to represent each group. I pass out the instruments and they have to group themselves according to their instrument and shape.
Next, I show the students these Aleatoric Maps, created by my friend Charlotte, and they play their instrument as I trace the line. You can also trace from each end point as well as point slower or faster. We do several of these together and then I have a few students come to the board to make one collaboratively.
Finally, I have the students work in groups to create their own maps. They take turns creating their line with a piece of yarn and then place the shapes (cut out on the die-cut machine) wherever they want. The student who created the map gets to be the pointer while the other students play. The students really enjoyed this and I loved seeing all of their creativity. It also gave me a chance to work one-on-one with any students who were still struggling with technique or playing on cue. Here are a few pictures of them hard at work in their groups:
First, we talked about the words "tune" and "lyrics."
Next, we had a "Turkey Carol" sing-along as we looked at some examples. Then, students got with small groups and began to create their own. They picked a topic, chose a tune, and then got to work creating their own lyrics.
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:
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. :)
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:
Fourth grade students have been composing in music! We read (and sang!) the book, The 13 Nights of Halloween, by Rebecca Dickinson and discovered that she had changed the lyrics from "The 12 Days of Christmas" to create her book. The students really enjoyed finding all of the characters on each page:
Next, we had a sing-along using some other fun Pumpkin Carols! Pumpkin carols are familiar tunes whose lyrics have been changed to a Halloween or fall theme. We created one carol together and then the students worked in pairs to create their own. Once they had completed their work, they performed their song for the class. Here are some of my favorites:
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