8th+Grade+Orchestra+Lesson-Radioactive

This lesson was done with an 8th grade orchestra about mid-way through the rehearsal process on the piece. At this point in time, the students could play the piece, but they were not playing very well as individual sections or as an ensemble. They needed to work on watching the conductor, counting out longer rhythms, feeling the pulse, and listening to others around them. Going into this lesson, I wanted to get the students to watch me, start together, find the pulse, and stay together as a group.


 * Teacher: ** Miss Long

**Subject:** 8th Grade Orchestra
 * National Standards: ** Refine
 * Primary Focus/Learning Target: ** Rhythmic Accuracy


 * Behavioral Learning Objectives: ** Students will demonstrate their rhythmic accuracy by playing the introduction to "Radioactive," arranged by Larry Moore, at a steady pulse.


 * Type of Assessment: ** Informal; The teacher will assess the rhythmic accuracy of the ensemble.

Choose one student (who is able to maintain a steady pulse) to play quarter notes on the cowbell while everyone else plays through the introduction to "Radioactive." Tell students that the cowbell will be playing quarter notes and that they need to be exact when playing their rhythm.
 * Sequence and Duration of Activities: **

After playing through the introduction once (to m. 17), have the orchestra practice starting the first note all together. Make sure all eyes are up and mention breathing on the pickup note to start together (no cowbell quarters).

After the whole group can play the first note together, play through the first few measures (no cowbell quarters).

Have everyone play the opening pizzicato in order to line up the chord changes correctly (cowbell quarters again). Repeat 2-4 times to make sure everyone is rhythmically correct.

Have students switch back to playing with the bow when they have a moving line but continue to play pizzicato on the long notes (half notes and longer). Cowbell quarters continue.

Once the previous step is complete, have everyone play with the bow again (cowbell quarters continue).

Once the students are all rhythmically correct with the cowbell quarter notes going, have the student playing the cowbell stop. Play through the opening again without the cowbell.


 * Materials: ** Instruments, cowbell, drumstick, "Radioactive," arranged by Larry Moore, individual parts/score