Name Beats

PREP: Go through your class roll / register and figure out two beat rhythms that fit each student’s first name. There will probably be many TAs, many TA TAs and a few Ti-Ti TAs, with a couple of others. Count up how many you have.

IN CLASS: Clap each rhythm and ask the children to raise their hand if they think that rhythm is them (most should get this). Put the students into groups based on their rhythms, with a different instrument or vocal sound for each group. Let them practice their rhythm for 2-5 minutes, then create a piece by layering the different rhythms together. Once you have demonstrated this, let some of the students have a turn at choosing which parts to add or remove from the layering.