PTP 2.3 Drum Groove Writing
Production Through performance
2.3 Drum Groove Writing // Lesson Plan
LESSON OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to write a drum groove extemporaneously and/or using drum pattern rules.
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PREPARATION
Listen to teacher and student selected songs together and have students parse out the drum grooves by singing along to the drum patterns.
Improvise drum patterns as a class by vocalizing the drum parts over drumless tracks.
Have students unplug their computers and have them do an electronic drum circle where they collectively improvise a drum groove.
Instruct students to improvise a drum groove by verbalizing the pattern using the supplied template in the improvise tab.
Write drum grooves together using the drum pattern writing rules.
Have students write a drum groove using the drum groove organizer.
Assessment
Look at student’s drum groove organizers and keep an eye out for the following:
Patterns that use the same material in the first and second half of the measure. Give students suggestions on how to create contract in both halves of the measure.
Patterns that are overly complex and would not be able to be performed or recorded.
Patterns that do not follow the rules of a drum groove.
Informally grade students while they play their grooves on desks or paper pads.
Instruct students to record their drum groove over the project template.
Remind students that the performance should be four measures of length followed by two measures of the kick playing on all of the beats to complete the template.
Have students present their projects by showing their organizer, sharing how they came up with their groove, and playing the final product for the class.
Alternatively, you can grade it individually using the same methodology from 2.2.