Rollin' the Dice

(This lesson plan first appeared in the MENC publication Strategies for Teaching Middle-Level General Music.  It is presented here with adaptations for a small group.)

Objective:                            With rhythms provided by the teacher, or with rhythms they have composed,

                                            students will notate, arrange, and perform a 16 measure drum cadence in the

                                            manner of a John Cage chance composition.              

Standards:                           Reading and notating music.

                                                Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

Materials:                            Pair of dice

                                                Ruler

                                                Pencil

                                                Paper (unlined)

                                                Handout containing 12 measures of rhythms in 4/4 time (optional, depending on

                                            whether students will composer their own rhythms)

                                                Handout containing dice instructions

Prior

Knowledge

And Experiences:             Students have studied and performed rhythms in groups of four beats.

Activity:                              

        1.                   Pass out the handout with the dice instructions.  Read the directions out loud to the class.

        2.                   Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students each.  If using a rhythm worksheet, pass out the worksheets along with a pair of dice, unlined paper, and a ruler.   

        3.                   If students are composing their own rhythms, have groups work together to come up with 12 measures of rhythm in 4/4 time.  They may use any notes/rests already learned, but no two measures should be the same.  Use the ruler to draw a non-pitched rhythm staff on the blank sheet of paper.

        4.                  Using either the rhythm worksheet or their own 12 measure rhythms, have students follow the dice         instructions to create a 16 measure drum cadence.

        5.                  After students notate their cadences on a blank sheet of paper, have them select percussion instruments to practice and perform their cadences for the class.

Assessment:                           Students accurately notate a 16-measure drum cadence.

                                                    Students successfully read and perform their cadences.