Rhythm

Subject/Grade: High School Theory

Concepts/Skills/Values: Composing and Reading Rhythms

National Standards Used: 1. Sing 2. Play 4. Compose/Arr. 5. Read/Notate 6. Listen 7. Evaluate

Behavioral Learning Objectives: Students will be able to compose a 2 bar rhythmic exercise to be performed by the entire class.

Materials: Paper, Pencil, Chalk board/Dry Erase Board, Chalk/Dry Erase Marker

Sequence of Activities and Assessment: 1. Warm students up with a few rhythmic dictation exercises. Four bar exercises in a simple meter (4/4 or 3/4). -Have students notate the rhythms. 2. Have students pair off and give them 8 minutes to come up with a 2 measure rhythmic exercise. (Now you come up with the rhythmic dictation! Here are the guidelines...) - The guidelines need to be made clear (write them on the board): - Simple Meter and Only 2 bars. - When they think they are done, have them practice it until everyone is done. If the composers cannot perform it, we cannot perform it! 3. Have a member from each group go up to the board and write out their creation (one right after the other). 4. Let the reading begin! - Have student clap each rhythm first, then, they can explore with different syllables (With in reason.)

Assessment: Students will be assessed on their ability to compose a sight-readable rhythm under the stated guidelines and follow directions.

Teacher Effectiveness Reminders: This is your time to RELAX! Not only are you taking a break from creating a rhythmic dictation, you are allowing your students to be creative and have fun with it!


 * EDITOR'S NOTE: Another option might be to have the students perform their composition for their fellow students as a dictation. This would require more than 8 minutes to prepare and practice.