Students Generated Arrangements of a multi-layered rhythmic chant!

Fourth graders learned about layering different rhythms on top of one another to create a cool piece of music. The chant "Roberta" has several contrasting rhythmic parts that accompany the main chant. These accompanying parts are short repeated patterns also known as the ostinato. Students learn how to say, clap and ultimately, play each part on an instrument, playing simultaneously to begin to understand the experience of being in an ensemble or musical group. 

After learning to say and play that chant and the ostinati as a group, students were put into small ensembles. They were asked to create their own arrangement of the piece. They chose their own un-tuned percussion instruments for each part. They chose what elements they wanted to add, including new rhythmic material, movement, and improvisation. What resulted were creative and fun new arrangements of the original chant. 

Check-out their great work below!