Drum Rhythm Creations

Debra Heiney
heineyd@bnet1.bangorsd.org
Bangor Area Middle School

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Sequencing

Level:

Middle School

Class:

General Music

Equipment:

Any entry-level sequencing program, MIDI keyboard.

Duration:

40 x 2 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

How to compose a simple rhythm pattern.
How to use a sequencing program and a MIDI keyboard.

NAfME standard of 1994 Addressed:

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

NAfME 2014: Performing 

NAfME standard of 1994: Improvising melodies, harmonies, and accompaniments.
NAfME standard of 1994: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
NAfME standard of 1994: Reading and notating music.

NAfME 2014: Creating 

NAfME standard of 1994: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.

NAfME 2014: Responding 

NAfME standard of 1994: Understanding Music in Relation to History and Culture

NAfME 2014: Connections

Materials:

Computers, MIDI keyboards, entry-level sequencing software.

Objectives:

1. Students will compose a rhythm track to accompany a school World Music Drum Ensemble.
2. Each composition must include three different percussion sounds and no more than five different sounds.
3. Students’ percussion sound choices will be complimentary to the available drum ensemble equipment.

Procedures:

1. Students will create a list of their favorite percussion sounds from the MIDI keyboards.
2. Using their favorite percussion sounds, students will compose a four measure (in 4/4) rhythm pattern.
3. Students will record their rhythm pattern and save it as a SMF.
4. Students will teach their rhythm pattern to the drum ensemble.

Evaluation:

1. Recorded rhythm pattern as a SMF or on audio-tape.
2. Observe student teaching the pattern to the drum ensemble.

Follow Up:

Ask students to work in pairs (or more) to combine their SMF rhythm patterns and create a longer rhythm pattern for the ensemble.

Items to Purchase:

Appropriate software, MIDI keyboards, World Music Drumming Ensemble equipment.