Carnegie Hall

Aim: How can we perform and create rhythmic patterns?
Summary: Students read, perform, and compose four-beat rhythmic patterns.
Standards: US 2, 3, 4, 5; NYC 1, 2, 3
Modality: performing, responding, creating
Materials: rhythm cards, manipulatives to represent note values (e.g., popsicle sticks, paper cutouts, etc.)
Time Required: 15 minutes

Instructions

1. Sing or clap rhythmic patterns in 4/4 meter together through call and response (using quarter-notes, eighth-note pairs, and quarter-note rests).
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2. Define 4/4 meter and explain that we have been performing measures of 4/4 rhythmic patterns.
3. Using manipulatives (e.g., popsicle sticks, paper cutouts, etc.) to represent quarter-notes, eighth-note pairs, and quarter-note rests, model composing a four-beat rhythm. Emphasize counting the note values to make sure the pattern is exactly four beats. Perform the model composition together as a class by clapping or tapping the rhythm.
4. Have students compose their own four-beat rhythms using the classroom materials.
5. Arrange all of the class patterns in a line or circle on the floor. Have student volunteers perform their own compositions or those of their classmates.

Going Deeper

1. Have students add lyrics to their rhythmic composition, using a theme such as food (e.g., “ap-ple pie yum” for  ) or nonsense syllables (“doo bee doo dah”).
2. Divide the class in half. Let one half tap a steady beat while the other half performs rhythms from cards or slides. Take turns. You may also have individual students perform a rhythm, while the rest of the class keeps the steady beat.