Materials Needed

 

* Melodic classroom instruments (e.g., boomwhackers, Orff barred instruments, tone chimes)

 

* A copy of the handout for each student (click here).  This is an exact copy of what is listed below.

 

 

Directions

 

1. Write down the first, middle, and last initials of the people's names in your group below.

 

 

2. Write the solfege symbols using the chart below next to each letter of the initials above.

 

A = do                                        H = do                                       O = do                                     V = do

B = re                                         I = re                                          P = re                                      W = re

C = mi                                        J = mi                                         Q = mi                                      X = mi

D = fa                                         K = fa                                         R = fa                                       Y = fa

E = sol                                        L = sol                                       S = sol                                      Z = sol

F = la                                          M = la                                        T = la

G = ti                                          N = ti                                          U = ti

 

 

3. Choose a time signature of 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, or 6/8.  List the chosen time signature_____________________

 

 

4. Choose a tempo of slow, medium, or fast.  List the chosen tempo_____________________

 

 

5. Using the guide, write the pitches from step 1 on the staff below as quarter notes to create a melody.  The initials

    (pitches) may be in any order, clef, and octave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Place bar lines in the melody above that corresponds to the chosen time signature.

 

 

7. As a group, play the melody on the instruments provided for you.  You should play the melody a few times so you can

    really hear it.

 

 

8. Circle any changes you think should be made to the order of the pitches in the melody.

 

 

9. Write the revised melody on the staff below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Place bar lines in the melody above that corresponds to the chosen time signature.

 

11. As a group, play the revised melody on the instruments provided for you.  You should play this melody a few times so

      you can really hear it.

 

 

12. Compare the original melody with the revised melody.  Write reasons why you prefer one versus the other.

 

 

13. Choose which version of the melody you like best.  Original______ Revised ______

 

 

14. Change the rhythm of your chosen melody to incorporate the note values we have learned in class.  Write these

      rhythmic changes on the staff below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. Place bar lines in the melody above that corresponds to the chosen time signature.

 

16. As a group, play the new version of the melody that contains the rhythmic changes.  You should play this melody a

      few times so you can really hear it.

 

17. Circle any changes you think should be made to the rhythm in the melody above.

 

18. Write a revised melody line with the changes to the rhythm below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. Place bar lines in the melody above that corresponds to the chosen time signature.

 

20. As a group, play the new version of the melody with revisions to the rhythms. You should play this a few times so you

      can really hear it.

 

21. Compare the original rhythm with the revised rhythm.  Write reasons why you prefer one versus the other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

22. Chose which version of the rhythm you like best.  Original_______  Revised_______

 

23. Give your composition a title then share with the class.