6

MUSIC

QUARTER 1 – MODULE 4

MELC: Demonstrates the conducting gestures in time

signatures of 2, 3, and 4
4 4 4

1
PART I

A. INTRODUCTION

Have you seen a conductor lead a choir or orchestra? What important role does the conductor play
in the performance? What does his movements or gestures mean?
Your hands are important tools for communicating. Through hand gestures, you can express ideas
and feelings even without speaking. In music, you can use your hands to show the time signature of a
musical piece. These hand movements, called conducting patterns, are used to guide and synchronize the
performance of a choir or musical group.
In this lesson, you will learn more about conducting patterns and help you demonstrate the
conducting gestures of time signatures.

B. DISCUSSION

Conducting Patterns

Conductors help people sing or play music together. They do this by showing the beat of a song
through arm movements that follow certain patterns. The patterns are based on the number of beats per
measure as shown by the top number of the time signature. The four beat patterns that are the most common
in conducting are the two-beat pattern, the three-beat pattern, and the four-beat pattern.

2
 Every beat pattern illustration has small numbers showing where the beats actually occur in the
pattern. Bounce your hand lightly at the numbers to emphasize each beat. You will need to move slightly
faster in some parts of the pattern than in others so that the beats keep a steady rhythm.

time signature– An “Ocean Wave”

Picture a shell bouncing on an ocean wave. The shell goes out with the wave and then back out to
the ocean. Bring your hand down and curve up just a little, then swish like an ocean wave bring the shell
back to the ocean.

time signature– A “Triangle”

Pretending like you are drawing a triangle in the area, one side on each beat. The first note
after the bar is the down beat and should be your straight down movement. Then to the side, then back up to
the starting point.

3
 time signature – A “Plus Sign”

Picture a plus sign in your mind. Your first beat will go straight down. Then go to the left,
then to the right, and back up to the top.

Counting Patterns

In conducting, the first beat is always a down beat. The counting pattern for time signature is
1, 2; for time signature is 1, 2, 3; and for time signature is 1, 2, 3, 4.

C. READINGS
The Downbeat
Each beat pattern begins with a strong downward
arm motion. This shows the downbeat. It occurs on the first
beat of every measure, regardless of the time signature. To
practice the downbeat, stand with your feet slightly apart,
extend your right arm forward from your shoulder, and bend
your elbow. Keep your hand relaxed and turn your palm
slightly down. Make a strong movement downward, ending
in a little bounce at about waist level.

4
The Conducting Window
The area which you will work your conducting patterns is called the conducting window. It is the
space that we use to do our conducting gestures so that our ensemble can see us. It extends to about 6 inches
above the top of the head, to the side of the body going down and ends at the waistline. To help you get
comfortable using the conducting window, practice conducting in front of the mirror and try to move within
the area described.

D. EXAMPLES

Practice the 2 beat pattern while singing Pamulinawen using smooth and even movements.

Practice the 3 beat pattern while singing Ili Ili Tulog Anay using smooth and even movements.

5
 Practice the 4 beat pattern while singing Hear the Bells using smooth and even movements.

PART II

ACTIVITY 1

Write the counting patterns for each time signature.

6
ACTIVITY 2

Write the numbers on the conducting pattern for time signatures.

ACTIVITY 3

Draw and label the conducting pattern of the given time signature in the box. Create a two-measure
rhythmic pattern for each time signature on the staff.

7
ANSWER KEY

Activity 1 Activity 2 4

2 3
1. 1, 2, 3, 4
1
2. 1, 2, 3, 4
3
3. 1, 2, 3, 4
1
2

1
Activity 3

8
PART III. SUMMATIVE EVALUATION

A. Directions: Read and understand each item carefully.

Write the letter of the correct answer on the separate sheet of paper.

9
B. Match the rhythmic pattern in column A to its time signature in column B.

10
C. Identify the time signature of Bahay Kubo. Then choose the appropriate conducting pattern while
singing the song. Do a video recording of your output.

Rubrics
Needs Total
Excellent Good Satisfactory
Standards Improvement Points
5 4 3
2 10
Sang the song
correctly while
conducting.

Used the appropriate

conducting pattern
with proper timing.
Total

11
ANSWER KEY TO SUMMATIVE EVALUATION - FOR TEACHERS ONLY
A.
1. D
2. C
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. B
7. B
8. D
9. A
10. A

B.
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. B

C. Bahay Kubo is in time signature and conducting pattern demonstrated should be

Use Rubric to evaluate performance output.

12
References

A. Books

Blossom C. Nolasco, M. J. (2018). Living with Music, Art, Physical Education, and Health.
1253 G. Araneta Avenue cor. Ma. Clara Street, Talayan, Quezon City: Vibal Group, Inc.

Fritzimarie R. Muyot, C. Z.-M. (2017). Exploring the World of MAPEH 6. Lower

Ground Unit LG 10 Tower D Victoria Towers, Mother Ignacia St. Brgy. Paligsahan,
Quezon City: The Inteligente Publishing, Inc.

B. Online Sources

https://blogs.brandeis.edu/musicalmusings/2018/10/16/conducting-101-conducting-like-
bernstein/

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/musicappreciation_with_theory/chapter/conducting/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/english/pdf/callings/music/conducti
ng-course/33619_eng.pdf

https://www.primarysinging.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Primary-Conducting-
Course.pdf

13
14