MS General Music: Rondo Form Composition

Grade Level: 6-7

Objective(s):
Given background knowledge music notation, rondo form, dynamics and ostinato patterns
students will be able to compose, arrange and perform their own rondo form piece.
Board objective: Compose, arrange and perform a rondo form piece.
Materials:

Rondo Form Composition Sheet

Pencils, erasers

Procedure:
1. Review rondo form and ostinato patterns.
a. Rondo Form- abacada
b. Ostinato- repeated pattern that does not mirror the melody line
2. Today we are going to compose and arrange our own rondo form songs using the poem The
Lion
a. The lion has a golden mane
and under it a clever brain.
He lies around and idly roars
and lets the lioness do the chores.
3. Go over composition guidelines:
a. 3 different sections, A, B, C
i. Sections should be related to the original topic- model similar to the A
section- composing strategies- think about writing 2 sentences related to the
topic and then give them a rhythmic pulse just like the A section.
b. 1 ostinato pattern- either instrument or voice (you can do 2 ostinato patterns one on
each if you would like)
c. At least 2 dynamic changes- crescendo/decrescendo, forte/piano
d. Arrangement- voices- 2 on a part? Individually? High voice/low voice? Instrument or
voice for ostinato?
e. Ensemble balance- everyone and every part needs to be heard
f. Group work assessment- did you work well as a group, did everyone contribute?

4. Divide into groups and begin composition work.

Assessment:
Students will be formally assessed on their performance and group work. Assessment will be
done with the following rubric and each student will do a self-assessment evaluating their participation
in the group and assess their performance.
Evaluation:
-Attached
NAfME National Standards addressed:
1. Singing, alone and with others a varied repertoire of music.
4. Compose and arrange music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
CCSS Standards addressed:
W.6.4: Production and distribution of writing: produce a clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience
L.6.3: Knowledge of Language: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing,
speaking, reading, or listening.
a. Vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.
b. Maintain consistency in style and tone.
W.7.4: Production and distribution of writing: produce a clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience
L.7.3: Knowledge of Language: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing,
speaking, reading, or listening.
a. Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating
wordiness and redundancy.

Name__________________________________________

Date_________________

Rondo Composition
Your task:

Create a B section and a C section based off of the A section poem.

Create an ostinato pattern. The pattern(s) can be voice or instrumental.
Include at least 2 dynamic changes in your composition.
Arrange your piece for your group (Are you all singing at the same time or paired for
different sections? Who is playing the ostinato?)
Be sure your ensemble is balanced and everyone can be heard.

A Section:
The lion has a golden mane
and under it a clever brain.
He lies around and idly roars
and lets the lioness do the chores.

B Section:



C Section:



Ostinato:

Group Members _________________________________________________

Criteria

Novice

Rondo Form

The composition did not

The composition had 3
The compositions had 3
contain 3 different sections
different sections but did not different sections and
and did not follow an ABACA follow an ABACA form.
followed an ABACA form.
form.

Ostinato

The composition did not

contain an ostinato.

The composition contained

an ostinato but was
performed out of time.

The composition
contained an ostinato and
was performed in time.

Dynamics

There were no dynamics.

There was 1 dynamic

change.

There were 2 dynamic

changes.

Arrangement

The composition showed no

signs of arrangement.

The composition had some

arrangement.

The composition had a

well thought out
arrangement.

Ensemble Balance

You could not hear the

ensemble.

It was difficult to hear some

of the ensemble at times.

You could hear all parts

and members of the
ensemble well.

Group participation/

It was evident the group did

not work together.

The group worked together

well with few issues.

The group worked

together splendidly and
had no issues.

Cooperation

Comments:

Competent

Mastery