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There are 6 Micro Warm-Up backing tracks, each using a different note (Bb, C, D, Eb, F and G - concert pitch). By adding this to your cart you automatically get all 6 and a PDF file with guidelines on how to use them. -
This activity is designed to allow pupils to get to know their instruments and also allow them permission to be creative with the sounds they make on/with them. The resources include:- INSTRUCTIONS
- FARMYARD MAP*
- 14 x ‘STICKERS’
- EXAMPLES OF GRAPHIC NOTATION FOR THE SOUND EFFECTS
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This activity follows on from the Farmyard Music Map (which we recommend you try out first!) and is just as flexible in terms of accessibility. The resources include:- 2 x TRAIN MAPS (night or day)*
- 7 x CARRIAGE ‘STICKERS’
- 14 x ENGINE ‘STICKERS’
- 15 x DESTINATION ‘STICKERS’
- COLOUR/PITCH REFERENCE SHEET
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Puzzle Pieces: Ode to Joy is of course based on Beethoven's famous finale from his 9th Symphony, used since 1972 as the "anthem of Europe", with powerful brass and percussion in the backing track! N.B. There are only three levels for every instrument in this piece - Bass Line (Level 1), Harmony (Level 2) and Melody (Level 3)) -
This activity is designed to introduce/work with ostinato and chords. The group are invited to compose an ostinato to play along with the provided backing track (OSTINATO G/C). The sheet also gives the available notes in the keys for each instrument, so in addition to writing an ostinato, they could also potentially build up chords to go with it, or even an additional melody. More advanced players could use even the chart to improvise from. As indicated on the activity sheet, the chord sequence used is:- G major
- G7
- C major
- C major
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Puzzle Pieces: Pavane is one of three improvisatory pieces based around chords and using graphic notation rather than staves and notes. This has the same approach as ‘Jazz on Toast’ and 'Daydreamer'- begin with the largest letter in each bar, encouraging pupils to suggest rhythms, or to even improvise a call and response. There are also melody parts for this piece, so there is the option for more variation/flexibility in performance, mixing improvisation with the notated music. It is also possible to build up an accompaniment using the notes from the chord ‘scrolls’, with a soloist playing the melody etc. The difference in style with this piece to the other two ‘graphic score’ pieces could also lead to discussions of different musical styles and eras. Encourage players to perform in a stylistically sympathetic manner! -
Newly added: pBuzz parts for ALL of the Puzzle Pieces collection. If you have pBuzz groups you can now download PDFs with pBuzz parts to fit with all the other ensemble parts here! -
Definitely one of the coolest Puzzle Pieces, R&B has a simple drum kit and funky bass backing track. This piece has an 8 bar section for improvisation. Encourage players to try this even if they only use one note for two bars each, or begin by playing their part from the first few bars until they gain confidence. -
Maybe not one to perform outside?! Puzzle Pieces: Rain Dance takes its lead from Native American traditional rainmaking dances. Wind players might find it better to rest for the first few bars of the repeat, coming back in again at A. Encourage a theatrical approach to the vocalisations and foot stamping at the end! ADDITIONAL SHEETS - Vocalisation rhythm sheet (for tutor) -
Puzzle Pieces: Raindrops is designed to encourage students to mimic the sounds of rainfall. Try experimenting with different ways to make the ‘pitter patter rain sounds’. Perhaps half the group play and half perform these sound effects at the end of the piece? -
To accompany the Puzzle Pieces material, there are also a variety of composing projects and here we've grouped three of them together (as they don't have backing tracks) - Rounds, Songs, and Pentagram Dance. -
Puzzle Pieces: Scottish Air gets its inspiration from North of the border, with the skirl of the pipes and rolling drums backing a traditional style Scottish air. In the backing track, listen for the drums after the pause to make the beat more clear at the start! ADDITIONAL SHEETS: 3/4 explanation sheet, dotted rhythms sheet
