Grade 8 Music

Outcome: CP8.8

Investigate and make choices about musical structures in sound composition.

  1. Use inquiry in music to extend understanding of the elements of music and principles of composition:
  2. Pose questions to guide inquiry into how elements of music can be manipulated and structured to create balance and unity (e.g., What are the rhythmic and melodic possibilities/limitations with this instrument? What different timbres are possible with this instrument? What textures can be created by combining or layering a variety of vocal or instrumental sounds?).
  3. Conduct a collaborative inquiry and experiment with voice and instruments to explore inquiry questions about musical structure (e.g., In what ways could we rearrange these motifs or phrases in different sequences?).
  4. Collaborate with peers to document the inquiry process (e.g., traditional and/or invented notation, audio or video recording).
  1. Critically examine the connections between the elements of music and principles of composition in own compositions and other music.
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of how the elements and principles are used to create form and structure in music.

Notes:

Principles of Composition: Introduction, Climax, Ending (like a story)

Elements of Music: Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Dynamics, Textures, Form, style, articulations, etc.

Part I

Introducing cultural connections:

  • Explain that in many cultures drums and rhythms mean a lot to the people because they are used to share culture, visions, history, and stories passed down from ancestors.
  • In First Nations culture, the drum has much significance. The drum is considered to be alive and is a heartbeat.
  • Watch Nelson Leon video showcasing the significance of the drum

Part II

Composing and Using Graphic Notation

Materials: Large paper, markers, paint, various art supplies, etc.

  1. Explain that graphic notation is when we invent pictures or symbols to represent a song we have created
  2. Show samples of what graphic notation can look like
  3. Play/Read through an example as a class to understand how to interpret graphic notation. (spiral sample works well for this)
  4. Have students work in groups of 3 to select instruments they like and create a short song with them
  5. Students use the art supplies to notate their song with pictures or symbols in a way that another group would be able to read it
  6. Have each group perform their song
  7. Have groups exchange songs with another group and perform them

(Graphic Notation samples below)