Melodic Composition Using Traditional Notation
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This learning activity provided by:
Author:
Tiffani Stricklin
System: Jefferson County School: McAdory Elementary School
General Activity Information
Activity ID:
1767
Title: Melodic Composition Using Traditional Notation
Digital Tool/Resource: Melodic Composition Worksheet
Web Address – URL:
Overview: Students will use quarter notes to compose a four-beat melodic pattern using Mi, So, and La. The students will compose a melodic pattern using a modified staff. The students will perform their composition for the class.
This activity was created as a result of the Arts COS Resource Development Summit.
Associated Standards and Objectives
Content Standard(s):
Arts Education 9) Read and perform rhythmic and melodic patterns using iconic or standard notation.
Unpacked Content
Artistic Process: Performing
Anchor Standards:
Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Process Components: Analyze
Essential Questions:
EU: Analyzing creators' context and how they manipulate elements of music provides insight into their intent and informs performance.
Concepts & Vocabulary:
Rhythm
Eighth note, eighth rest, half note, half rest, whole note, whole rest
Strong/ weak beat — 2/4; 3/4 meter
Accelerando/ ritardando
Melody
Pitch Set: Do , Re, Mi, So, La
Five-line staff
Treble clef
Names of lines/ spaces (treble staff)
Harmony
Melodic ostinati
Partner songs
Form
AAB, AABA, Rondo
Verse/ Refrain
Expression
Orchestral instrument families
Piano (p ), forte (f )
Crescendo/ decrescendo
Orchestral Music: programmatic
Indigenous music: Native American
American music: slave songs, colonial folk songs
Other
Age-appropriate pitch matching (B3-D5)1
Mallet/ drumming technique: alternating hands Skill Examples:
Performing
Perform age-appropriate music with attention to expressive markings indicated in the printed music.
Creating
Perform an improvised interlude to a known song, matching expression and rhythmic/melodic themes.
Reading/ Writing
Identify expressive markings in printed music.
Identify meter marking in printed music.
Responding/ Evaluating
Notate from dictation 8-beat rhythm patterns using standard notation.
Perform short melodic patterns from standard or iconic notation.
Learning Objectives: Students will:
1. compose a four-beat melodic pattern using So, Mi, and La on a modified staff.
2. perform the melodic pattern for the class.
Strategies, Preparations and Variations
Phase: After/Explain/Elaborate
Activity: 1. Review melodic patterns using So, Mi, and La.
2. Review So, Mi, and La on the modified staff.
3. Demonstrate how to compose four-beat patterns using quarter notes and So, Mi, and La.
Show where So, Mi, and La are on the modified staff.
Do several examples and explain how to draw quarter notes.
4. Distribute pencils and composition worksheets (Melodic Composition Worksheet ).
5. Students compose four beat melodic patterns using So, Mi, and La.
6. Students perform their composition for the class.
7. Class echoes each pattern.
8. Collect worksheets.
Assessment Strategies: 1. The teacher listens for pitch accuracy during each student's performance.
2. The teacher checks for accuracy on the written four-beat pattern.
Advanced Preparation: 1. Print enough worksheets for each student.
2. Sharpen enough pencils for the largest class plus extras.
3. The teacher will need a computer and projector.
Variation Tips (optional):
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
Keywords and Search Tags
Keywords and Search Tags:
