Musical Patterns

After introducing patterns to the students, we explored patterns in music. We listened to music and discussed the patterns we hear repeated (i.e. chorus, beat, phrases...). Using numerous instruments from our Fine Arts room, students explored the instruments to see what sounds they made. Next, students were told that they needed to create a pattern, using their musical instruments, that a) repeated itself 3 times and b) included all members of their group. After 20 minutes of exploring and practicing, students were then given chart paper and a marker. Their next task was to "name" their pattern. They were to give each instrument a letter (i.e. drum - A, cymbals - B...) and write their pattern on chart paper. Students then demonstrated their "musical pattern" for the rest of the class, whose job it was to guess the pattern. The students really enjoyed this and were able to connect patterning to an often overlooked part of their lives!