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Creating Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Instruments are easy to play. Millions of people play percussion ensembles and create interesting
music pieces. This is your opportunity to create a unique piece of music and share it in class.
1. Choose the instruments that have different tonal characteristics (different sound)
2. Make a plan and experiment to make sure your instruments match and create an interesting color
(music term timbre)
3. Create a piece of music that has a variety of rhythms and beats (we call it polyrhythm)
4. Good music pieces have the following Structure:
- Introduction (2 - 4 bars)
- Main Body that includes:
o Part A (8 bars)
o Part B (8 bars) different than part A, or contrasting
o Part A (8 bars) repeated
- Coda (Conclusion) 2 4 bars or fade out
5. Include the following dynamics: p (piano), mf mezzo forte (moderately loud), f forte (Loud)
6. Remember to practice the piece as many times as needed playing in tune with everyone in your
group
7. Be prepared to perform your Composition in front of the class.
8. You have 45 minutes to prepare your piece.
9. Your performance will be filmed and you will have a chance to reflect in your DW on your process and
success!
10. Home work: on your blog, in your Process Journal answer the following questions: - What went well
for you? - What challenges did you experience and how did you overcome them?
Terms: Tone color / timbre; percussion instruments; dynamics (p (piano), mf mezzo forte (moderately loud),
f forte (loud); composition; structure (introduction, main body, coda)
Have FUN!
Tips for Successful Performance
1. All members of your group should follow the same tempo by feeling the beat
2. All musical layers should match with each other and sound in balance (not louder or softer
than others)
3. Assign a group member to show the cues when to go on and off
4. Be creative and try different rhythmic patterns
5. Include Dynamics
6. Include Introduction, Main Body and Coda