Ensemble Performance on MIDI Keyboards

Jeffrey Flynn
jeffflynn@charter.net
Bartlett High School

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Electronic Musical Instruments

Level:

High School

Class:

Equipment:

MIDI keyboards

Duration:

35 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

1)Basic ability in reading music notation
2)Basic keyboard skills
3)Ability to assess and evaluate constructively

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: Reading and notating music.

NAfME 2014: Creating 

NAfME standard of 1994: Evaluating music and music performances.

NAfME 2014: Responding 

Materials:

Four part chorales written at a suitable level

Objectives:

1) Students will be able to perform a single-line part alone and within the context of a larger ensemble with accurate pitches and rhythm.

2)Students will be able to evalute the performances of other student groups in regards to pitch and rhythmic accuracy.

Procedures:

1)Each student will learn his/her part and perform it alone on a keyboard. (10 min)

2)Each student will perform his/her part with others to complete the four part chorale. (15 min)

3)Each student will evaluate his/her performance as well as that of other students. Evaluation will be based upon accuracy of pitch and rhythm only. (10 min)

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on pitch accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, and ensemble cohesion. Evaluations will be given by the instructor as well as by the other students.

Follow Up:

Add other musical elements to be assessed (dynamics, phrasing, articulations, etc.)