Fifth Graders Cook Up Musical Rhythms

Just before winter break, fifth graders participated in a lobby “informance” (informal performance), the culminating experience of their semester-long “cooking up rhythms” unit. After reviewing rhythmic and melodic patterns, students began the unit by learning a chocolate-cookie-dough-themed rap and worked to identify where the stress beats and rests occurred. “The words of the rap were transferred to rhythm sticks and performed in a one-beat cannon, meaning one group started and the next group started one beat after them,” explains music teacher Kim Lostetter. “This is extremely difficult and the students were able to do it quickly and accurately!” Students then learned how to play a poem on xylophones.

 

For their lobby informance, each class selected the elements from their whole “cooking experience” to showcase. “It was a great experience for the students to learn how to make and discuss music together,” Ms. Lostetter adds. “[This unit] allowed them to review and practice musical concepts that are essential to the fifth grade music curriculum in a fun and creative way. [And] we celebrated their achievements with a cookie party!” MORE PHOTOS