HOMEMADE INSTRUMENT UNIT GUIDELINES
Instructions can be found on the next post.
Instructions can be found on the next post.
In grades 7 & 8 we are making homemade instruments. We have viewed many ways of making instruments. Students have the option of creating their own, following instructions found online or using examples presented in class.
Guidelines include being resourceful (using what you have at home or contact relatives, friends and neighbors) and try to limit spending money. Bonus points will be awarded to those students who have spent the least. Students will present their instrument(s) to the class and play each instrument for 2 measures of 4 beats = 8 beats total. For melodic instruments (xylophone, tubular bells, wooden chimes, etc.), we have learned to use the 1st phrase of “Joy to the World” to go from high “Do” to low “Do” using the rhythm of the words to offer an option when trying to master this requirement.
Also, since all students do not have equal resources, an “A” on this project is possible in many ways – effort is everything!
· A student will receive the grade of “A”, if the student makes an instrument that has been rated as an “A” instrument and follows the instructions (it is possible to improvise on the instructions as long as equal effort is applied), and criteria for all instruments is met.
· A student will receive the grade of “A”, if the student makes 2 different (different instructions for each instrument) instruments that have been rated as an “B” instrument and follows the instructions (it is possible to improvise on the instructions as long as equal effort is applied), and criteria for all instruments is met.
· A student will receive the grade of “A”, if the student makes 3 different (different instructions for each instrument) instruments that have been rated as an “C” instrument and follows the instructions (it is possible to improvise on the instructions as long as equal effort is applied), and criteria for all instruments is met.
· A student will receive the grade of “A”, if the student makes 4 different (different instructions for each instrument) instruments that have been rated as an “D” instrument and follows the instructions (it is possible to improvise on the instructions as long as equal effort is applied), and criteria for all instruments is met.
To sum it up: 1 “A” = “A”; 2 “Bs” = “A”; 3 “Cs” = “A”;
4 “Ds” = “A”
A very popular instrument is the rainstick: a tube (various kinds – pvc, cardboard, plastic, etc.) with obstacles (nails, toothpicks, screws, etc.) and ingredients that run through the obstacles (popcorn, rice, aquarium rocks, etc.). Instructions can be found online but are not required. The rainstick can receive a variety of grades depending on how much effort was used in creating the instrument. Each rainstick will be graded using the following guidelines:
· If the rainstick rains for 15-30 seconds, it will receive the grade of a “B” if all of the other criteria for instruments is met.
· If the rainstick rains for 30+ seconds, it will receive the grade of a “A” if all of the other criteria for instruments is met.
· If the rainstick rains less than 15 seconds, it will receive the grade of a “C” if all of the other criteria for instruments is met.
I have shared many examples of instrument instructions. While sharing each set of instructions, I’ve also stated the grade each instrument will receive if made using the instructions, shown an example of most and explained construction of the instrument and materials needed. All examples presented can be found on my faculty blog post of 11/1/16: http://dstuckenschneider.blogspot.com/
Instrument and presentation rubric / criteria
Musical quality – tone color 20 pts.
Neatness 5 pts.
Presentation 10 pts.
Effort 10 pts.
Added decorations 5 pts.
Total: 50 points possible
Presentations must include…
· Explain the process used to create the instrument.
· List the materials and where they were found or purchased.
· Play the instrument – instruments with tones should play a melody; untuned instruments should use rhythms.
· All melodies and rhythms must be at least 8 beats – 2 measure of 4 beats each. Melodies should be recognizable and rhythms should reflect demonstrate effort and advance preparation.
· Explain who helped you create your instrument.
· Tell how much time was spent on each instrument.
