ALEX Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ARTS] MUS (7) 1 :

1) Generate rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic phrases and variations over harmonic accompaniments within AB, ABA, or theme and variation forms that convey expressive intent.

[ARTS] MUS (7) 4 :

4) Evaluate their own work, applying selected criteria such as appropriate application of elements of music including style and form, and appropriate use of sound sources.

[ARTS] MUS (7) 2 :

2) Select, organize, develop, and document personal musical ideas for arrangements, songs, and compositions within AB, ABA, or theme and variation forms that demonstrate unity and variety and convey expressive intent.

Similarity and contrast are essential to the aesthetic experience. In this lesson, students will organize pictures based on contrasting themes.  Since many people are visually oriented, working with pictures is an effective way to gain an understanding of form before working with sound.

The students will experience the aesthetic impact of AB, ABA, and ABACABA (rondo) form. First, the students will collect and organize pictures with common and contrasting themes. (For example, a student would download pictures from the Internet of dogs that are sitting and dogs that are running.) Then, the students will create a digital slideshow of the pictures in an AB form and in an ABA form. (PC users can use free software such as Shotcut and Mac users can use a similar software program such as iMovie). Finally, the students will download an additional set of pictures unrelated to the other two to create a third theme. (For example, a student would add pictures of cats.) With these three themes, the student can create a slideshow in ABACABA (rondo) form.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.