“Boogie Blues II” an introduction to inmprovisation.

Jim O”Donnell
jimnodonnell@msn.com
Methacton Elementary Schools, Methactonn Sch, Dist.

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Electronic Musical Instruments

Level:

Elementary

Class:

Instrumental

Equipment:

Electric Piano, Sibelius/computer needed for preporation, power point/projector

Duration:

45 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Students have completed one year of instrumental lessons. Most can play one octave of B flat concert.

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 3: Improvising melodies, harmonies, and accompaniments.
MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.

Materials:

“First Concert ” band book by Neil A Kjos Music Company, power point projertor if available.

Objectives:

My students should be able to discuss and feel the 12 bar blues progression. Be able to play by memory the melody of “Boogie Blues” and begin to create their own version using given rhythms and chord notes.

Procedures:

Everyone will demonstrate their memorized melody. I then demonstrate improvisition using a single rhythm pattern and one or two notes. Usining these rhythms and chord notes, have students begin creating their own versions of “Boogie Blues”.

Evaluation:

Results vary from student to student. Prompt each students effort. No one is wrong if following given notes and rhythm.

Follow Up:

Continue expanding chords and rhythms. Add a new tune to keep efforts fresh.