Rhythmic Composition

Marcia Knisely
wolfnote@ptd.net
Wallenpaupack Area Middle School

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Notation

Level:

Middle School

Class:

General Music

Equipment:

Finale Notepad

Duration:

45 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

-Students will need a basic understanding of rhythm including whole, dotted half, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes
-Basic computer skills

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.

Materials:

Computer with Speakers or headphones

Objectives:

Students will demonstrate an understanding of rhythmic notation by using Finale Notepad to compose and perform a rhythmic piece

Procedures:

1. Students open Finale Notepad
2. Set up wizard
– Title(choose your own)
– Composer(student name)
– Instrument(percussion; snare drum)
– Time Signature(4/4)
3. Students use the simple entry palette to enter rhythms in 4/4
4. Students use the lyric tool to type in the counts to each rhythm
5. Save the composition
6. Students clap their composition
7. Playback and listen to the rhythmic piece played by the computer
8. Print the piece

Evaluation:

1. Students will print a copy of their work for teacher evaluation
2. Students will clap or play their composition using the snare drum sound on the keyboard for teacher evaluation

Follow Up:

1. Students create another composition including rests
2. Students add a second stave to their composition
3. Students perform their compositions using various percussion sounds on the keyboard