ALEX Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] MUS (5) 8 :

8) Demonstrate understanding of the formal and harmonic structure created by the elements of music in music selected for performance.

Example: Compose music in the jazz style and include syncopated rhythms.

[ARTS] MUS (5) 3 :

3) Demonstrate selected and developed musical ideas for improvisations, arrangements, or compositions to express intent, and explain connection to purpose and context.

In this learning activity, students will create their own blues piece using the "Madlib" and perform their blues piece using the 12 Bar Blues pattern on the instruments available.  (This activity can be altered at the discretion of the teacher based on the classroom resources and skill level of the students). Choices can be the use of just the singing voice, barred instruments, guitars, ukuleles, boomwhackers, etc. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] MUS (3) 3 :

3) Demonstrate selected musical ideas for a simple improvisation or composition to express intent and describe connection to a specific purpose and context.

[ARTS] MUS (4) 3 :

3) Demonstrate selected and organized musical ideas for an improvisation, arrangement, or composition to express intent and explain the connection to purpose and context.

[ARTS] MUS (5) 3 :

3) Demonstrate selected and developed musical ideas for improvisations, arrangements, or compositions to express intent, and explain connection to purpose and context.

Students will listen to improvised flute performances. They will identify musical elements, including steady beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, and expressive qualities.  They will improvise using recorders. The unit includes three lessons based on music from Nigeria. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] MUS (4) 1 :

1) Improvise rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas, and explain connection to specific social and cultural purposes and contexts.

Example: Use a variety of found, pitched, and rhythmic instruments to orchestrate primary components of a story.

[ARTS] MUS (4) 3 :

3) Demonstrate selected and organized musical ideas for an improvisation, arrangement, or composition to express intent and explain the connection to purpose and context.

[ARTS] MUS (5) 1 :

1) Improvise rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas, and explain connection to specific social, cultural, and historical purposes and contexts.

Example: Improvise using culture-appropriate instruments to create a sound carpet for a Native American folk tale.

[ARTS] MUS (5) 3 :

3) Demonstrate selected and developed musical ideas for improvisations, arrangements, or compositions to express intent, and explain connection to purpose and context.

Students will play three rhythms inspired by music from around the world. Students will compare and contrast the rhythms. Students will perform using different tempos, dynamics, and instruments. Finally, they will create an arrangement for a performance.  A student worksheet is provided.