Rhythm Ensemble
Ted Rausch
rausch2@comcast.net
Portsmouth High School
TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:
Electronic Musical Instruments
Level:
High School
Class:
Music Theory
Equipment:
Roland XP-10 or any synthesizer with percussion sounds
Duration:
30 Minutes
Prior Knowledge and Skills:
This lesson will be integrated in the study of different rhythm patterns. Students will have been working on putting together different rhythm patterns.
MENC Standards Addressed:
MENC 2: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MENC 3: Improvising melodies, harmonies, and accompaniments.
MENC 4: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
MENC 5: Reading and notating music.
Materials:
Blank exercise sheets for students to write rhythm patterns down
Objectives:
1. Students will create rhtyhm patterns to be played on the keyboards using the percussion sounds.
2. Students will work together in groups of three to compose a 12 bar percussion ensemble piece.
3. Each group will perform their composition for the class.
Procedures:
1. Students will be placed in groups of three.
2. Each student will compose a 12 bar rhythm pattern to be played together in their group.
3. Once students have written out the rhythm pattern, they will choose a percussion sound from the keyboard and assign it to their part.
4. Once each student has chosen a sound, they will perform their piece for the class.
Evaluation:
Each group will perform for the class and receive feedback from the other students in class.
Follow Up:
1. Students will use a notation program to write down their rhtyhm patterns.
2. Each group will put their ensemble piece on a notation program and have the program play it back. Comparissons will be made as to how the computer interprets the rhythms as opposed to when the students performed.
