Composer BAG Variations

Carol Childers
bassoon2cc@zoominternet.net

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Notation Software

Level:

Elementary

Class:

General Music

Equipment:

Computer Finale 2004

Duration:

30 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Melodic notation BAG Basic Rhythmic Notation Beginning recorder skills BAG melody that was composed in past lesson

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 4: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
MENC 7: Evaluating music and music performances.

Materials:

Computer Recorders Overhead projector Overhead transparency with “Hot Cross Bun” and blank measures

Objectives:

Students will vary a melody using the following compositional techniques: retrograde, augmentation, diminution.

Procedures:

1. On overhead projector show the melody for “Hot Cross Buns.”
2. Explain retrograde.
3. Show blank measures on overhead and re-write notes for “Hot Cross Buns” in retrograde.
4. Explain augmentation.
5. On blank measures re-write notes for “Hot Cross Buns” in augmentation with notes becoming twice their original value.
6. Follow same procedure for diminution only notes become 1/2 of original value.
7. Using previous BAG composition students compose three variations: retrograde, augmentation, diminution.
8. Print variations and play them on the recorder.

Evaluation:

Grade printed version of each variation.

Follow Up:

Make a final composition by cutting and pasting from the original melody and it’s three variations. Compose a final composition in theme and variations. Discuss how the variations changed the sound of their melodies. Discuss how a composer might use these variation techniques in a song.