Instrumental - Year 5 Lesson 1

In the first lesson for Year 5 in a series of instrumental compositions and activities, students are introduced to a variety of rhythm-based exercises designed to enhance their musical understanding and performance skills. The learning objectives for this lesson include recognising and responding to repeated rhythm patterns, echoing 4-beat rhythm patterns on un-tuned percussion, creating and playing rhythm patterns in unison with precision, and practising and performing in a group setting. The key vocabulary terms such as 'rhythm', 'improvise', and 'internalise' are central to the activities and discussions.

Using a clave or similar instrument allocated to each child, the main activities involve interactive games and exercises. 'Follow the Pattern of the Drum' encourages children to listen and join in with a 4-beat pattern played on a drum, while 'Don't Tap This One Back' challenges them to remain silent during a specific rhythm, with participants who play on that phrase required to sit out. The game evolves into a more complex version where children must concentrate to avoid tapping certain patterns. 'Chosen Actions on Chosen Beats' tasks students with tapping on selected beats while counting aloud, and later, internally, to develop a steady pulse and inner counting for accurate playing. This activity extends into group work, where children decide on their own beats and timbres, and perform their 8-beat patterns four times for the class. The session concludes with a plenary discussion on the group decision-making process, choosing a conductor, remembering chosen beats, maintaining a steady pulse, and the experience of performing. The lesson is rounded off with a musical goodbye, integrating rhythm and pulse through song.