Composition Lesson Reflection

On Monday, November 27, 2006, I taught a composition lesson based around Boomwhackers. A fairly simple lesson, I basically gave the guidelines, gave the students about two minutes to compose, and then we synthesized our compositions by playing them individually and then as a group. First, we “reviewed” how to hold Boomwhackers when we we’re playing, and then I told them to play for eight beats (two measures of four beats each). In pairs, they were to compose these eight beats. Then, each pair played their compositions. Finally, the whole class (all four pairs) played together, creating one large composition.

As for my strengths, the lesson was fairly easy to understand. I was assuming that these “8th graders” understood the concept of beats and tempo, but I think that is a fairly safe assumption (and besides, it’s “my” class, so we would have previously learned that for sure!). I used proximity and movement to walk around the class, speaking briefly with each pair, making sure not only that they were on task, but also answering any questions they had and providing an opportunity for brief feedback.

As to my weaknesses, I could simply have had a more interesting lesson. Granted, it was only supposed to be 5-7 minutes, so perhaps it was perfect. But if I had tried to stretch this lesson out at all, they quickly would have become very bored. Lastly, I mumbled. This is still something that I have to consciously avoid doing, but I didn’t think much about it while teaching this time. I spoke quickly and not terribly clearly. I think everyone understood what I was saying, but probably with some difficulty. This is an issue I have anytime I speak, and one that I need to keep in mind more regularly.

Overall, I felt the lesson was a success. It was simple, but it seemed just right for the setting and the time requirement. Also, I was mildly surprised at how cool the composition actually sounded. Despite the presence of several pitches at random rhythms, it sounded neat. I could use this in a classroom someday, with just a few tweaks (and perhaps extensions).

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