Objective:

Introduce the class to a Ternary Form through musical examples and hands on composition projects.

Purpose:

Embark on an exploration of Classical period, through understanding of its musical forms.

Materials:

Power point projector, music lab computers with Sibelius Compass program installed, printer,

Blackboard, worksheets with examples of Ternary form, worksheets with follow up questions, pencils,

a recording of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Baa , Baa Black Sheep and ≥Little Night Music ≥, 3^rd mvt by Mozart.

Anticipatory set:

Play the Twinkle Little Star, Baa Baa Black s Sheep , as the students come in into the classroom. Then ask them to think about how this song is build , what are the building blocks? Do they repeat?

Procedure:

As the discussion on Twinkle Little Star and its form proceeds I will introduce the term Binary Form. The class then will decide on how to label the sections of the Twinkle Little Star and Baa Baa Black Sheep presented on the blackboard.

Then I will move on to a power point presentation on Ternary Form. The power point will touch upon a brief timeline of the Ternary Form before Classical Period and go on to talk about its use during the Classical Period , for example the Minuet and Trio form.

The Minuet and Trio introduction will be accompanied by a recoding of ≥ Little Night Music≤ 3^rd mvt. will be played . I will ask if someone recognizes this tune?

After the Power Point presentation I will instruct the students to go to the computers, login , and select Sibelius Compass. Then they will be instructed to compose, 4 bar each, a composition based on the Ternary form.

Check for understanding:

Students are to write a composition based on Ternary form. They will be also instructed to complete a worksheet with new concepts. And have an assignment to do at home where they will label the sections of songs that are based in Ternary Form.

Closure:

How would you describe a Ternary Form?

Can you give me an example of a Ternary form in Classical Period?

Have a few volunteer students play their compositions.

Extensions:

Ask students to bring examples of music that they listen to that are build based on a Ternary Form. Ask the rest of the class to present their compositions. After the students have a good understanding of the Ternary form move on to the discussion of musical forms in Classical Period, such as Rondo, Theme and Variations, Binary Form.