K-5 Drumming

During the month of September, most classes were drumming. Through drumming, we are able to learn about and experience many different elements of music, such as tempo, dynamics, texture, beat and rhythm to name a few. We also have the added benefits of learning classroom expectations and procedures. In addition, students learn to listen and work together in ways they may not have experienced before. For instance, when the bass drums first play in the video below, they aren't quite together. They depend on the part that comes in right after them to know when to play. As soon as the second part comes in, they instantly improve. All of the parts in this piece of music have to do that in one way or another. In order to keep playing your part, you have to listen to all of the people who are playing something completely different. We can't stop listening, because then our different parts won't work together and will sound like a big jumbled mess. Students have been given different tools to help them through this. Toward the end of the video, you will hear the shekeres (rattles) come in. Soon after, you will hear them chanting words that match their part. Each part has it's own set of words that can be used to get a player back on track. We also watch each other. Sometimes seeing someone playing the part is just as helpful as hearing it. Playing in a large group with multiple parts like this requires more than just hearing, it requires listening with your brain.