Optional: Bell ladder with detachable resonator bells
Instructions
A scale is a set of notes in order of their pitch. It is like a ladder of notes! The notes of a scale can be numbered from low to high (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) or from high to low (8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1). Add some motions to demonstrate an ascending scale (notes getting higher) or a descending scale (notes getting lower).
1: Touch your toes.
2: Touch your ankles.
3. Touch your knees.
4. Touch your thighs.
5. Touch your hips.
6. Touch your shoulders.
7. Touch your head.
8. Stretch your hands towards the ceiling.
The notes of a scale can also have names in solfege. Solfege gives every note in the scale its own unique syllable. (History fact: Solfege syllables are based on an old Latin hymn.) Echo-sing each solfege syllable in ascending order and descending order. Optional: demonstrate the Curwen hand signs for each solfege pitch.
Do (1) is pronounced doh.
Re (2) is pronounced ray.
Mi (3) is pronounced me.
Fa (4) is pronounced fa.
So (5) is pronounced sew.
La (6) is pronounced la.
Ti (7) is pronounced tea.
Do (8) is pronounced doh.
Listen to the sound "That's A Scale." Show each note/pitch with the body motions we learned earlier.
Sing the words to the song together. Use the Student Page (PDF) for reference to show each note on the musical staff.
Draw a musical scale ladder on a poster. Invite volunteers to fill it in with note numbers and solfege pitches.
On a pitched instrument, demonstrate a musical scale, ascending and descending. Check for aural understanding with a thumbs up or thumbs down participation.
As you play an ascending scale, show a thumbs up.
As you play a descending scale, show a thumbs down.
Play several scale patterns (ascending or descending) to check for aural comprehension.
Optional: distribute pitched instruments or a bell ladder with detached resonator bells. Work together to play an ascending scale, then a descending scale. Each note can be played as a "roll" by playing one pitch several times (while alternating mallets).
Divide the group into three groups to perform the song. Repeat several times so that everyone gets the chance to try every group's activity.
Group One: sing and show the body motions for the song.
Group Two: sing and show the Curwen hand motions for the song's solfege.
Group Three: sing and play pitched instruments with the song.
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