Introducing Blues for Middle School Jazz Band
Michael Wann
mwann@hcpss.com
Cradlerock Upper Middle School
TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:
Notation Software
Level:
Middle School
Class:
Instrumental
Equipment:
Finale Notepad, IMac/PC
Duration:
35 Minutes
Prior Knowledge and Skills:
Students have from 2-3 years of instrument instruction. Students are familiar with basic rhythms such as whole, half, dotted half, quarter, eighth notes with corresponding rests.
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.
Materials:
Finale notepad free program
Objectives:
1. Students will be able to perform the “Blues” scale on the worksheet with instruments. 2. Students will be able to create a basic eight measure piece using Finale Notepad.
Procedures:
1. Demonstrate to the class the process of working with Finale Notepad. Website www.finalenotepad.com directions to download. Pass out information sheet of qwerty keyboard and note pad music assignments. 2. Play the Bb major and Bb Blues scales from worksheet. 3. The students will perform the three rhythm patterns from the worksheet. 4. Several students will perform a different rhythm from the worksheet. How would you notate the new rhythm? 5. Describe the sound of the Blues scale. ie: Happy or sad
Evaluation:
6. Create an eight measure melody and rhythm based on the Blues scale. Limit the use of whole, half notes and rests. Only one of each rhythm allowed. Start and end with tonic note.
Follow Up:
Perform a jazz selection using the Blues.
