Teaching Performance through Composition
Approachable - Engaging - Flexible
Welcome to the resource that will change your approach to teaching band forever! I’m so glad you’re here. Give yourself permission to stay a while (or at least 5 mins!), watch the videos, read the content and absorb this evidence-based approach that allows students in the shadows to emerge and enhances your program exponentially!
Are you ready?
The Teaching Performance through Composition (TPTC) approach brings creativity into your classroom, regardless of your students’ experience, ability or your ensemble’s instrumentation.
I provide the musical building blocks whilst you and your students compose with form, texture, timbre and expressive techniques. Add performance elements to create a unique piece for your next concert - each one a world premiére!
START WITH RHYTHM
In Book One, each set of materials (there are six in total) begins with a rhythmic chant that is then transformed into a melody.
SCAFFOLD your teaching my exploring the rhythm FIRST!
APPLY the rhythmic chants to body percussion, bucket drumming, or drumsticks on chairs.
Once learned, teach the building blocks to composition using FORM, TEXTURE, TIMBRE and EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES before you add PITCH!
How?
Here is an example from my own teaching experience. This chant was written by Australian music educator Sue Lane (not included in the book, but is used here to show what is possible):
Here is a small chamber group performing their own rhythm-based composition using this chant:
And HERE is an example of what is possible using only rhythm with a WHOLE class/large ensemble:
ADD PITCH
Now transform your rhythm compositions into melodic compositions!
The first piece in Book One, entitled ‘Ewww Yuck!’ uses the first three notes of Concert Bb, so you can start Teaching Performance Through Composition from the very beginning!
BECOMING MORE COMPLEX
Individual packs offer material that becomes more complex. Students begin to compose more material themselves PLUS, some works are specifically written for ceremonial purposes (there is one fanfare, two processionals and an excellent chorale that is perfect for quieter events/church services).
Check out this SUPER FUN example from Book Four #one: ‘Nhasi Pano Pamakuwerere’ as composed/performed by the University of North Florida Concert Winds, Director Dr. Erin Bodnar. Just WAIT for the drum line!!! (TPTC for marching band anyone?)
MORE SAMPLE COMPOSITIONS
These resources are so new I am yet to collate other sample performances (maybe your composition will feature here in the future?). But don’t despair! Listen to these awe-inspiring examples from ‘13 Moons’, the first piece in the Teaching Performance through Composition series:
These three composing pieces are connected to endangered species. Bonus materials, accessible via a QR code printed on parts, transports you and your students to a world of information that informs and inspires their creative process.
Another ADDED BONUS is that the “Butterfly” materials introduces the complexity of compound time in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. You don’t want to miss this!
PURCHASE HERE
RHYTHM & PITCH PACKS & SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING MATERIALS AVAILABLE HERE
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