The One Rehearsal Composition Challenge

I am challenging all interested ensemble directors to take one day on their calendar to try something a bit different. Amazing, musical results will follow…I guarantee it or your money back!

1) Take one rehearsal and break your group into sections (the smaller, the better). Have each section come up with a short (10-20 second) pattern. Explain that they may use their instruments in a typical fashion, or they may ‘gently’ use them to create other types of sounds.

2) Once they decide on their short sound pattern, ask them to incorporate music ideas (dynamic contrast, varied articulation, etc). Then give each group a single, blank staff and ask them to graphically notate their pattern. Because many will have used sounds instead of notes, a system for notating may need to be invented.

3) Have groups perform their short ideas, then ask if there are complementary passages. If so, can they be played in ‘harmony’ with another section? If you have time, try combining these patterns to create a piece that was written for your group by your group.

4) If you decide to continue to a 2nd day and beyond, you may have a few students collect and arrange the notated passages in order to create a formalized arrangement. Have one student organize a score and allow him/her to conduct it. The teacher records the rehearsal and posts to YouTube.

Covers MENC National Standards for Music Education:

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.

Good luck and let us all know how it goes!