5th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"Compose Your Character's Catchy Chime!"

Lauren H
FA.M.5.4C
FA.M.5.4A
FA.M.5.4B
FA.M.5.3E
FA.M.5.2A
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Purpose

This project immerses 5th-grade students in the creative process of composing video game character themes, fostering skills in improvisation, composition, and musical performance. By engaging with digital tools and collaborating with peers and professionals, students explore the intersection of music and storytelling, enhancing their understanding of rhythm, melody, and emotional expression. The project encourages students to present their work in a public forum, promoting confidence and critical thinking while meeting educational standards in a dynamic, real-world context.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in improvisation and composition by creating simple accompaniments and melodic phrases for their chosen video game character themes. They will enhance their ability to read, write, and reproduce rhythmic patterns using standard notation, focusing on syncopated patterns and various meters. Through peer reviews and professional critique, students will refine their compositions, gaining insights into the elements that make music memorable and effective. By engaging in reflection and showcasing their work, students will connect their musical choices to personal growth and understanding of music's emotional impact.
Standards
  • FA.M.5.4C - create simple accompaniments through improvisation and composition.
  • FA.M.5.4A - create rhythmic phrases through improvisation and composition
  • FA.M.5.4B - create melodic phrases through improvisation and composition
  • FA.M.5.3E - perform simple two-part music, including rhythmic and melodic ostinati, rounds, partner songs, and counter melodies
  • FA.M.5.2A - read, write, and reproduce rhythmic patterns using standard notation, including syncopated patterns, and previously learned note values in 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 meters as appropriate

Products

Students will create and present a short character theme using BeepBox.co, showcasing their ability to compose and improvise simple accompaniments and melodic phrases. Their compositions will be featured in an interactive website, allowing visitors to explore each student's creative journey and provide feedback. Additionally, students will document their process and reflections in a journal, capturing their growth and understanding of video game music composition. The project will culminate in a class showcase and a 'Virtual Soundscape Tour,' offering a platform for students to share their work with a broader audience.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Game Soundtrack Listening Party,' immersing students in iconic video game music. Facilitate discussions on the memorable elements of these themes and their impact on character development. Guide students in selecting their characters and brainstorming initial ideas for their compositions, laying the groundwork for their creative exploration.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the project, students will showcase their compositions in a 'Virtual Soundscape Tour,' an online gallery accessible via a QR code. This digital exhibition will feature each student's character theme, accompanied by a narrative of their creative journey. Friends, family, and community members can explore the compositions, leave comments, and engage with the students' work, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community connection.