Creating a Rhythm Band with Garage Band

Kelley Atwood
katwoodgirl@aol.com
n/a

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Notation
Sequencing
CAI

Level:

Elementary

Class:

General Music

Equipment:

Computer w/mic and speakers, GarageBand

Duration:

50 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Students should be familiar with quarter notes, eighth notes and corresponding rests.

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
MENC 7: Evaluating music and music performances.

Materials:

Large rhythm cards to be posted on board, same patterns on index cards, various simple rhythm instruments

Objectives:

Working in small groups, the students will be able to recognize and perform quarter-note and eighth-note rhythm patterns in duple meter.

Procedures:

1. Have students review and perform rhythm patterns posted on blackboard. (5 min.)
2. Break class into small groups and distribute one rhythm card per group. (5 min.)
3. Using GarageBand, select a loop track (bass or percussion) and play for the class. (2 min.)
4. Pass out simple rhythms instruments and allow students to practice their patterns along with the track. (10 min.)
5. Allow each group to perform pattern for the class along with the track and record. Play back each recording and discuss performance(10 min.)
6. Once all tracks are recorded, play back each track and have students raise hand when they hear their pattern. (5 min.)
7. Systematically, play back each track so that class can hear “finished product” or “rhythm band.” (2 min.)
8. Finally, repeat step #7 and encourage each group to play pattern on teacher’s cue. (5 min.)
9. Clean up (5 min.)

Evaluation:

Students should be able to aurally and visibly recognize duple rhythm patterns using quarter-note and eighth-note notation.

Follow Up:

Have students create their own patterns using specified note values. Eventually create rhythmic phrases (i.e. 4 bar phrases) and may also experiment with various loops..

Items to Purchase:

GarageBand software