Dana
Monteiro
Technology
Based Lesson Plan
Lesson: Marching Band Cadence
Aim: What is a cadence? How are they written?
Objective: Students will be able to compose an
original cadence.
Materials
Needed: Computer, Projector, speakers, Sibelius music notation software, cadence
composed on Sibelius software, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, recordings (MP3)
marching band cadences, staff paper
Anticipatory
Set: As students enter, they will
hear the Cadets of Bergen County cadence (MP3). Q. What instruments
do you hear?
Procedure:
1. Review of the answers of the
Anticipatory Set question. List
the names of the instruments on the board.
2. Demonstration each of the
instruments. Snare Drum, Bass Drum,
Cymbals Explain
how each of the instruments works.
3. Play cadence composed on Sibelius. Project notated cadence on screen. Play each instrument alone allowing
students to hear each instrument's rhythm (Snare, Bass, Cymbals). Reassemble and play full cadence.
4. Class will then write a cadence as a
group. Beginning with the bass
drum volunteers will suggest one measure of rhythm. Repeat until four measures are completed. Repeat for each instrument. Play each measure and line after its
completion.
5. Play complete cadence.
6. Play example of a simple middle school
band cadence that uses the snare, bass, and cymbal.
7. Q. How does the cadence in the example differ from the
cadence that we have written? Use
the discussion to obtain suggestions for revision of the rhythms written by the
class. Edit the cadence.
8. Play the four measures finished
product.
Check for
Student Understanding:
Students
will break into small groups and compose a short segment (2 measures) of a
cadence on staff paper. I will
quickly look at students work to assess understanding. Papers will be collected and entered
into Sibelius program. Several of
the rhythms will be played next class.
Closure:
Q. What is a cadence?
Q. What ingredients make a good cadence?
Extention: Students can repeat this procedure with
other forms of percussion music.
Students
may use the classroom computers to compose original cadences using the Sibelius
program afterschool.