Recorder: Changes
Grade Level: 4 Subject: Music
Lesson Aim/Objective: Students will be able to play ‘Changes’ on the
recorder, and will be able to play the instrumental parts on the Orff
instruments. Students will also know how to practice, and how to turn in
their practice logs, and belt tests.
Materials:
‘Changes’ sheet music
Recorders for all students
Variety of Orff instruments (with mallets) with the appropriate bars
taken off for ease of playing
Colored music and recorders for those who need it
Common Core Standards:
4.2.3 Singing melodies written on the treble staff
4.3.1 Playing music of increasing difficulty in two-part ensembles
4.3.1 Playing melodies of increasing difficulty written on the treble
staff
4.3.3 Playing a given melody on a recorder
4.3.5 Accompanying songs and chants with I, IV and V chords
4.3.6 Demonstrating proper playing techniques
4.4 Perform rhythmic patterns that include a dotted quarter note and
eighth note
Instruction/Procedure:
Class 1
Students will receive a copy of the sheet music for Changes, and will
get out their recorder.
Teacher will model the correct sequence to practice a new piece of
music:
- Count the rhythm while clapping
- Say all of the note names not in rhythm
- Say the note names in rhythm while clapping the rhythm
- Say the note names in rhythm while fingering the notes on the
recorder
- Play the song on recorder
Students will then work in small groups to practice phrases in that
sequence. They are eligible to earn tickets.
Class 2
Students will be taken through the procedure of turning in a practice
log, and playing for belt tests (30 minutes including time for questions)
Students will have 10 minutes on their own to practice the music.
Students will play Changes all together led by the teacher.
Class 3
We will review Changes as a class as long as needed.
Learn the motions of the xylophone part (cross left, right, left, cross
right, left, right, cross left)
Do the motions in rhythm
Do the motions with mallets in hand
Stations (split class into 3 groups, 8 minutes at each station. Practice
for 5 minutes, play as a class for 3):
- Practice mallet movement
- Play xylophones
- Play recorders
Teach words to the song (if time)
Class 4
Do stations again, but split the class into 4. 4th station will be singing.
Student can use the remainder of the class to get individual help,
practice Changes, do their belt test, or practice new music if ready to
move on.
Assessment Activity:
Belt test to show proper playing techniques. Will not be assessed on
Orff instruments.
Reflections
Generally, the students did very well. Most students that needed significant help took advantage of
all the opportunities there were to get help. Those students improved tremendously. The xylophone
part may have been a bit difficult to introduce the students back into the instrument, but there was
enough individual practice time built in that it ended up challenging them to a point that they could
rise up to. The kids were very rowdy during some classes, so it was difficult to keep them focused and
on task. The tickets (used for candy opportunities) really helped settle them down for individual
practice time.