This week students will be performing and teaching the class the polyrhythm that their group composed and notated. I am looking for development in the skill of playing independently within an ensemble as well as the ability to listen to one another in order to notate each part.
We will also be learning and playing the game Gumban Taryeong from Korea, which will be our most difficult to date due to the 6/8 meter, language, and complex moves ending in a tug-of-war!
Due to MCA testing students will only have music on Thursday this week. Students will however, come to music class on either Monday or Tuesday instead of PE to accommodate our needs to complete testing. I am planning on showing a movie during this time because the PE classes are not the same classes that I teach music. I am looking for an appropriate movie that is somewhat musical. Let me know of any suggestions you may have.
Last week students worked in groups to symbolically notate the polyrhythm their group composed. Thursday will be the last day for students to practice, notate, and discuss how they will be teaching the rest of the class their polyrhythm.
Last week students began improvising polyrhythms in groups of 4 to 5. Having students create and sustain their own rhythm demands good listening and focus while playing. This week students will continue to work ingroups to create a polyrhythm they would like to use for their project.
This week we will also be learning about and performing Latin perucussion music. I will introduce bongos, claves, maracas, and the guiro!
This week in music we will be learning another game from Thailand and discussing Thai music rituals, instruments, and types of music.
I will be introducing our next big project in class on Thursday! Students will be working in groups of 4-5 students to compose and notate their own polyrhythm that they will teach to the class. Students will begin by having one student keep a steady beat and another make up a rhythm that has windows (musical space) in it for others to add to. Students will then improvise complementary rhythms until they create rhythms they like together and would like to use. Once a group has finalized their polyrhythm they will work together to create a symbolized notation of the piece (not exact musical notation). Finally they will teach the class!
The helpful hints for playing rhythm complements we have discussed are:
* Leave space for others (windows in your music)
* Play different patterns than other players
* Play in the holes
* Play above or below
* Play different tone colors
Last week students went on a musical journey through the world! I was pleased with the presentations and enjoyed dancing from Ireland and Puerto Rico, instruments brought in from Ghana, a performance on the cello, and traditional clothing worn from Thailand and Oramia.
This week students are working on a new and challenging polyrhythm as well as improvising rhythmic completments. Students will also learn about Thailand through a chanting game!
