Hello 6th Graders! This post outlines the details of the Geometric Composition Project. You find all your resources here and you will be coming here to reflect and comment on the project.
LISTEN, LEARN, AND REFLECT
To begin, please click on the following link which will help you learn about the jazz piece, “Take 5″ performed by the Dave Brubek Quartet.
TAKE FIVE
EXPLORE AND REFLECT
Next you will learn about how composers use the musical element of METER to change how a piece of music sounds. Click on the following link to take you to the EXPLORING METER page.
EXPLORING METER
CREATE AND REFLECT
Now you are ready to begin composing with METER in mind! You are going to use one geometric shape for your composition. You are going to use the online notation software, Noteflight, to CREATE your composition, then return to this page to REFLECT on your work.
The most common geometric shapes are triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, and circle.
Choose one of these shapes to inspire your composition. The number of sides your shape has will determine the number of beats (top number) in your meter.
BUT WAIT…Since a circle has no numerable sides, how do you choose a meter? For this exercise, choosing circle will require you to compose a ROUND. If you are not familiar with a round, CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT A ROUND.
To begin composing, click on one of the following Noteflight templates and follow the directions within the document.
Square/Rectangle- in 4/4 meter
Triangle- in 3/4 meter
Pentagon- in 5/8 meter
Hexagon- in 6/8 meter
Heptagon- in 7/8 meter
Octagon- in 8/4 meter (very uncommon!)
Circle (a Round)
GEOMETRIC COMPOSITION RUBRIC:
Your composition will need to use notes from the following C pentatonic scale:
Your composition needs to have a variety of note values such as quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes, whole notes and rests. Use whatever rhythms sound GOOD to you and fit within the meter. There should not be ALL quarter notes, ALL eighth notes, etc.
Your composition should use one of the following elemental forms: AAAB, ABAB’, ABAC, AABA, or ABBA.
Your composition should be no longer than 8 measures (Except “Circle” which will be 10 measures).
COMPOSITION GRADING:
If your composition meets all of the above criteria, you will recieve an Advanced(4).
If your composition meets 3 of 4 criteria, you will receive a Proficient(3).
If your composition meets 2 of 4 criteria, you will recieve a Partially Proficient(2).
If your composition meets 1 of 4 criteria or is not turned in(saved) you will receive an Unsatisfactory(1).
Your composition grade will be averaged with your reflection grade to create a FINAL PROJECT GRADE.
FINAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
When you are finished with your composition (saved a copy in Noteflight in Mrs J’s account), please answer the following questions in the comment box at the bottom of this post (black section). You will need to enter your name to comment. Because this is a public blog and everyone will be able to read your comment, PLEASE USE ONLY FIRST NAMES AND LAST INITIAL! Number your responses so that Mrs. J knows what question you are answering. You do not need to re-type the questions.
1. What geometric shape did you choose for your composition and why?
2. How does your composition relate musically to the shape you chose?
3. What are the strengths of your piece (What did you do well)?
4. What are the weaknesses of your piece (What would you change)?
5. Any other comments about this project?
5BMixedMeter
