Terraced Dynamics, Musette in D, and Boomwhackers

Terraced Dynamics with Boomwhackers and Musette in D

3rd grade Elementary Music students explored terraced dynamics while playing the “Musette in D” with boomwhackers. “Musette in D” has been transposed to “C” for Boomwhackers to play. In this SMARTBoard lesson, an accompaniment file is attached to the beginning page of the Musette. A simple lesson on terraced farming and terraced dynamics is illustrated for further study.

To answer the “why” of terraced dynamics, pictures of the raven’s feather/quill, the plectrum, jack, and harpsichord are included. Sound files for comparing the harpsichord to the modern piano and it’s hammer action are also attached. This all-inclusive SMART Notebook lesson is perfect for 2nd – 4th graders during a study of musical dynamics or the Baroque period. Hint: Using the magic pen on the SMARTBoard really brings the attention to the small details. Use it often in this lesson!

Download this SMART Notebook file

This SMART Notebook file with everything needed to present the evolution of musical dynamics, can be downloaded for free here.

Terraced Dynamics, Musette in D, and Boomwhackers

Here is video of a practice right before the students played boomwhackers and the “Musette in D” for our school. Because my students will be standing close together for the performance, they are using small rhythm sticks to play the boomwhackers instead of hitting the floor. The students are still working on the contrast between Forte and piano… with just a little more practice, they’ll get there.

Musette in D, Boomwhackers, and Terraced Dynamics

It you have as much fun with this arrangement as I have had… I’d love to hear about it.

Brrrr

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Cherie Herring

Music/Technology Integration at Hammond School

I teach elementary music, am passionate about integrating technology into my teaching, am obsessed with my SMARTBoard and iPad, and enjoy creating lessons and sharing ideas. I love technology almost as much as I love cheesecake, and with more energy and ideas than I know what to do with, I can't wait for the sun to come up each morning! I'm wife to Prince Charming and mom to three incredible girls who keep me balanced. . . sort of!