Jingle Bells Notation/Dictation
Anne Kramer
[email protected]
Lake Shore Elementary, Anne Arundel Co. MD
TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:
Notation Software
Level:
Elementary
Class:
Instrumental
Equipment:
Enough computers/headphones with Finale Notepad for individual classes.
Duration:
2 30minute classes Minutes
Prior Knowledge and Skills:
Basic note reading skills. Capability to play “Jingle Bells” for their respective instrument. Basic computer keyboard/mouse skills.
MENC Standards Addressed:
MENC 4: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
Materials:
Screen and projector at front of room/lab.
Finale Notepad file (right-click here and save to disk)
Objectives:
Students will have rudimentary skills and knowledge of notation programs.
Students will complete basic aural dictation.
Procedures:
The students are shown how to use Finale Notepad basic note tools and eraser to input the first 4 measures of notes for “Jingle Bells.” They are then instructed on how to open the template which supplies the beginning notes and rests. Leave the completed four measures up on the screen for students to copy into their versions. Allow the students to work independently and provide individual assistance as needed. At the end of the class students should “save as” their work under their own name. The first four measures should be completed.
2nd class: Demonstrate the play back features for students. Show them how to open their previous work. Have the students listen on the headphones to their individual work and decide which notes are necessary to fill in the missing final measures. Stop the students periodically to work as a group and help them fill in the missing measures correctly. Have students print their finished product at the end of the class for a “souvenir.”! p>
Evaluation:
This lesson is intended for instrumental students typically in grades 3-4. Older students will have more success with the results.
The students will demonstrate their understanding of the notation program when they are given more independence during the second class period. Full success can be assessed through observation during the class.
With periodic help, students should be able to complete the dictation during the second class as well.
The lesson serves as an enrichment exercise to note reading. It also helps peak students interest for something new after the accomplishment of a first concert.
Follow Up:
My plans are to start a composition project with my older students now that they have some dictation and notation software experience.
Items to Purchase:
None, if your school has a full computer lab that you can get time in with your students. Finale notepad is a free program which is why I chose to use it in my schools.
