Creating Transposition arrangements of Hymms

A lesson plan by Jill Welsheimer, bjwelsheimer@ccps.org, Perryville High School, PA.

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Electronic Musical Instruments
Notation

Level:

High School Music Theory

Equipment:

Sibelius
iBook computers
Midi Keyboards

Duration:

80 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Notation and use of Sibelius
Intervals
Key Signatures
Transposing of various Keyed instruments
Basic voice leading

NAfME Standards of 1994 Addressed:

NAfME Standards of 1994: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

NAfME 2014: Performing

NAfME Standards of 1994: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
NAfME Standards of 1994: Reading and notating music.

NAfME 2014: Creating

NAfME Standards of 1994: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
NAfME Standards of 1994: Evaluating music and music performances.

NAfME 2014: Responding

Materials:

Hymnal
Computer and software

Objectives:

As a result of this lesson the students will be able to transpose a basic four part song into a quartet of transposing instruments.

Procedures:

After reviewing basic knowledge of transposition, (10 min) The class members will choose a hymn to transpose. They will also choose the four transposing instruments to write for. Keep in mind the ranges and sounds of various instruments. (which four go the best together) A review of basic voicing will also be given. (example don’t necesarily put the bari sax as melody over the soprano) Students then will use Notation software to write their pieces and listen to them. Student must transpose on own. Not use feature on software.

Evaluation:

Listen to compositions as class and critque choices and transpositions. Play pieces if instrumentation is available. (band class can play and record them also for later listening)

Follow Up:

Further transposing of music for various purposes.