Rationale

The purpose of this game is to help the class practice naming notes on a staff and being able to
play them in rhythm. This specific has already played the D major scale in whole notes. To
enhance their musicianship this game has them come up with their own rhythms, and then they
will play what they wrote.

Understanding

Students can play a basic D major scale

Students will know how to play notes in rhythm by reading from notes on a staff

Standards

Using the musical alphabet to notate melodic patterns reading and notating rhythmic patterns that
include half notes, half rests, whole notes, and whole rests

The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters

The student will identify and demonstrate half-step and whole-step patterns

Materials

Four sheets of staff paper

Pieces of paper with four note names on them

The students need their instruments

Process

1. Have the students get in groups with their section (Basses, cellos.) (30 Seconds)
2. Give each group a sheet of staff paper (30 seconds)
3. Hold up a sign with four note names (ex: B A B D)
4. When the sign is held up students will race the other groups and write the notes on the
staff paper (30 seconds)
5. Students will create their own rhythms for the four notes over 2 measures of 4/4 (30
seconds)
6. When they are done they will raise their hands
7. The first group done will play what they wrote (30 seconds)
8. Then have the whole class play what that group wrote (30 seconds)
9. Hold up the next sign with note names and repeat!

Assessment
Check the groups staff paper and make sure they have the correct notes and rhythms before they
play

As the students play look for correct fingerings on the instruments and that they are playing
whole steps and half steps when written

Adaption

To make this game easier, do not have the students make their own rhythms. Just have the
students write the note names on staff paper. It will help younger students learn how to read
music and recognize notes more quickly. If students are not ready to play yet, then just have them
practice the note names and compete with their peers.

Extension

After this game, you could have the students read slightly more complicated melodies that are
longer than just four notes.