Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Creating and Performing Melodic Contour

Subject Area

Arts Education

Grade(s)

1

Overview

Students will trace a melodic contour with their finger as they sing the high and low sounds. Students will create their own melodic shape using yarn and perform the composition for the class. A video demonstration is provided. 

    Arts Education (2017) Grade(s): 1 - Music

    AE17.MU.1.1

    Create musical ideas for a specific purpose.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:AE17.MU.1.1

    Vocabulary

    Rhythm
    • Quarter note, quarter rest, paired eighth notes
    • Strong/ weak beat
    • Steady beat/ rhythm
    • Allegro/ adagio
    Melody
    • Pitch set: Mi, So, La
    • Steps/ skips/ repeated notes
    • Melodic direction
    • Modified staff
    • Line notes and space notes
    Harmony/texture
    • Rhythmic ostinati
    • Simple bordun
    Form
    • AB, ABA
    Expression
    • Legato, staccato
    • Piano (p), forte (f)
    • Classroom instrument classifications
    • Clarinet, trombone, cello, drum
    • Orchestral music: ballet
    • Non-Western music celebrations
    Other
    • Proper singing posture
    • Age-appropriate pitch matching (C4 -C5)1
    • Mallet/ drumming technique — hands together

    Essential Questions

    EU: The creative ideas, concepts, and feelings that influence musicians' work emerge from a variety of sources.
    EQ: How do musicians generate creative ideas?

    Skills Examples

    Performing
    • Perform original rhythmic compositions containing quarter note, quarter rest, paired eighth notes.
    • Perform original melodic compositions containing quarter note, quarter rest, paired eighth notes and using the pitches mi/so/la.
    Creating
    • Improvise 4-beat melodic phrases containing mi/so/la, both vocally and on pitched percussion instruments.
    • Construct 4-beat rhythmic patterns using manipulatives, such as note cards, popsicle sticks, or blocks.
    Reading/ Writing
    • Read 4-beat melodic phrases on a modified staff on which mi is indicated.
    • Notate from dictation 4-beat rhythm phrases using manipulatives such as note cards, popsicle sticks, or blocks.
    • Identify melodic patterns on a modified staff when played on a pitched instrument.
    Responding/ Evaluating
    • Create rubric for evaluation of peer compositions.
    • With guidance, apply peer suggestions to personal compositions. Select an original composition for performance.

    Anchor Standards

    Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Learning Activity

    Resource Provider

    Carnegie Hall
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
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