Battle of the Bands: Free Rhythm Reading Music Lesson Plan - MakingMusicFun.net

Big Idea

This free, no-prep music lesson plan challenges student “bands” to work together to read simple rhythms and perform a rhyme using a speech piece and non-pitched percussion instruments. One band is named the winner and receives an official certificate. Let the “Battle of the Bands” begin!

Grade Level: 3-6
Activity: Cooperative Group Performance
Skill: Rhythm Reading and Hand-On Music Making

Students will work in cooperative groups to prepare and perform a rhythmic speech piece on non-pitched percussion instruments to develop ensemble skills.

This lesson is designed to fulfill the 2014 National Standard for Music:
Perform music, alone or with others, with expression and technical accuracy, and appropriate interpretation. (Performing - MU:Pr6.1)

Battle of the Bands | Music Lesson Pack (Premium)
Non-pitched percussion instruments

Music Lesson Plan

Step 1
Tell students, "Today, you’re going to compete in a Battle of the Bands! The winning group will be awarded these official certificates." Show them the award to build motivation. "But before we start the competition, let's head to the board for a quick review."

Step 2
Review eighth note and quarter note rhythm patterns from the speech piece worksheets ('Engine Engine No. 9' and 'Pease Porridge Hot') in the Battle of the Bands Music Lesson Pack (or your own rhymes) to prepare students for the activity.

Step 3
Break the class into "bands" of 3-4 students each.

Step 4
Give each band a set of non-pitched percussion instruments and two copies of one of the rhymes so everyone can follow along while practicing.

Step 5
Tell students, "Work together to figure out the rhythms of your rhyme, and then use your instruments to create a ‘winning’ song. Rhythms from the rhyme may give you ideas for your arrangement, like playing a rhythm as an ostinato. Some members of your band may play while other members speak the rhyme. You have 10 minutes to practice."

The bands will be judged on 3 things:

Tempo: Did the band keep a steady beat?
Rhythm: Were the rhythms performed correctly?
Balance: Could every instrument and voice be heard?

Step 6
Practice starts. Circulate around the classroom to help students read the rhythms and provide arrangement ideas.

Step 7
Practice ends. Tell students, "It's time for the Battle of the Bands to begin. Please place your rhymes and instruments on the floor."

Step 8
Review the judging criteria one more time so everyone knows what to listen for.

Step 9
Bands perform. After each band plays, ask the class how they did. Did they keep a steady beat? Were the rhythms performed correctly? Could every instrument and voice be heard? As the class claps for each performance, point to a number on the Battle of the Bands Applause-O-Meter to measure their enthusiasm. Record the score on the board.