Lesson 1: Imagine

How do musicians generate creative ideas?

MU:Cr1.1.E.Ia Compose and improvise
ideas for melodies, rhythmic passages,
and arrangements for specific purposes
that reflect characteristic(s) of music from a
variety of historical periods studied in
rehearsal.

Students will select two phrases, each from a different historic/stylistic ensemble work and appropriate for their
performance medium. Independently they will explore an improvisation for each using four of the
compositional devices from the table provided. Students will explore each idea a
sufficient number of times in order to choose which they like the best to re-imagine each phrase while
maintaining the stylistic/historic integrity of the phrases.

Students will use an improvisational/compositional tool (musical instrument, staff paper, sequencer, recording device, etc.) to
record (using a digital recording device) or notate (using traditional or alternative notation) the original phrase
(melodic/rhythmic/harmonic) as appropriate for their performance medium.

Students will then record (using a digital recording device) or notate (using traditional or alternative notation) each re-imagined
phrase (melodic/rhythmic/harmonic) that they feel appropriately expresses the historic/stylistic
characteristics of the music/text of the original for each phrase.

All of the DOK levels will be experienced.

Modeling
Questioning
Discussing
Scaffolding
Repetition and reviewing
Offering multiple pathways to show mastery
Providing timely and clear feedback
Embedding practice and review within new experiences
Grouping students based on needs
Supporting a positive growth mindset environment
Providing a safe space to take risks and make mistakes to promote problem solving and learning
Valuing critical thinking and discourse over right/wrong fixed mindsets
Implementing equitable grading policies

Level 1: Emerging

Slightly altered two phrases from different historic styles without a clear connection to the historical/stylistic integrity of the original. 

Level 2: Approaching

Re-imagined/created two phrases from different historic styles, but the connection to the historical/stylistic integrity is questionable.

Level 3: Meets Proficiency

Re-imagined/created phrases from two historic periods that reflect the stylistic/historical nature of the original clearly explaining the connection in writing. 

Level 4: Exceeds Proficiency

Re-imagined/created phrases from two historic periods that reflecting a depth of understanding of the stylistic/historical nature of the original insightfully explaining the connection in writing.