Listening, Analyzing, Choosing, and Performing a Multi-Part Piece

Last week students were introduced to rhythmic notation, identifying different symbols and their corresponding values in 4/4 (Common) time, and performing simple rhythm patterns in both unison and two-parts. Having mastered reading and performing eight-beat patterns in two-parts, all of the classes were ready to build on their success. This week we explored syncopation, reading and performing new dotted patterns. On Thursday Working in small, collaborative groups, students were given scores for five different drumming pieces and asked to listen critically to recorded examples of each while analyzing the notation. Each group was asked to discuss the music, choose/agree on a piece, and provide specific reasons why they made their choices.we listened to recorded audio excerpts and analyzed the notation of five different rhythmic pieces. Students evaluated their options and voted in each class for the piece they wanted to learn first. Every group was up for the challenge and chose pieces with multiple parts and lots of syncopation! The video below shows my eighth grade Music & Media students choosing the large ensemble drumming piece they wanted to learn. All of the syncopated rhythm patterns included in the different scores were introduced and practiced prior to this activity.