Music Composition Assignment

Composition Assignment

Task:

In this assignment, students will be asked to create a short composition using bucket drums.  Students will be asked to hand write their composition. A minimum of two periods of class time will be given to review proper notation, rhythm, and to answer questions students may have.  The goal of the assignment is to appreciate their own musical skills using both critical and creative thinking.

Process:

1. Compose a piece of music that is at least 4 bars in length for bucket drumming;
2. Write a  time signature, instrument, title, and your name;
3. Whole, Half, Quarter, Eighth Notes, Sticks, and equivalent Rests may be used;
4. Be sure rhythm matches the appropriate time signature;
5. Label what hand you would like the player to hit the drum with

Rubric:

Category	Level 4	Level 3	Level 2	Level 1
Knowledge & Understanding	All notes are written neatly using proper notation. All measures have the correct # of beats and a variety of notes and rhythms are used.	Most notes are written neatly using proper notation. 75% of measures have the correct # of beats and a couple notes and rhythms are used.	Some notes are written neatly using proper notation. 60% of measures have the correct # of beats and a couple different notes are used.	Very few notes are written neatly using proper notation. 0-50% of measures have the correct # of beats and 1 or 2 different notes are used.
Thinking	The composition was very creative, clean/ easy to read, and included all required elements.	The composition was creative, clean/easy to read, and included most of the required elements.	The composition was somewhat creative, somewhat easy to read, and included some of the required elements.	The composition was somewhat creative, difficult to read, and included little of the required elements.
Communication	Score is very neat and all required elements are included: Title, Composer, Instrument, and Time Signature. Striking hand is included	Score is neat and most of the required elements are included. Striking hand is often included	Score is somewhat neat and some of the required elements are included. Striking hand is sometimes included	Score is messy and little of the required elements are included. Striking hand is not included
Application	Knowledge and skills (concepts, strategies, process, and techniques) can be transferred to new contexts.	Most knowledge and skills can be transferred to new contexts.	Some knowledge and skills can be transferred to new contexts.	Little knowledge and skills can be transferred to new contexts.

Bucket Drumming Rubric- Playing

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Tempo	Lacked consistent tempo.	Tempo difficulties throughout performance.	Slight tempo imbalance during performance.	Steady tempo throughout entire performance.
Rhythm	Performance has many errors.	Several errors causing a disruption to the rhythmic flow.	Very few rhythmic inaccuracies; mistakes were not distracting to the overall composition.	All rhythm patterns were played without mistake and with confidence.
Notation (rhythmic notation, time signature, beats per measure)	Off time with music	Off time with some music	On correct time most of the time	Correct throughout the entire piece of music
Use of Class time	Has trouble focusing in class and rehearsing respecting others and the instruments	Focuses sometimes. Needs reminders to listen	On tasks and rehearses well most of the time	On task all the time uses rehearsal time well.

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