Key Stage 3 Music - African Music

Lesson 4


Lesson Objectives

  • Learn how African music uses improvisation through drumming. Begin to plan an African drumming piece as a small ensemble.

Task 1

Babethandeza - continue to develop your class vocal performance.


Sin nje nje nje ngemi thandazo (x2)


Ngemi thandazo, Ngemi thandazo (x2)


Oo mama babudale, Babethandaza (x2)


Babethandaza, Babethandaza (x2)



Task 2

  • What is improvisation?
  • Improvisation is used when we use Call and Response.
  • Even though the rhythm is made up on the spot, it still needs to make "musical" sense, e.g. the rhythms must be in time to the beat.
  • Whenever you improvise during call and response, it's best to keep it simple!
  • Complete a class call and response exercise. Your teacher will lead and keep a steady beat.

Task 3 - Assessment groups

Your teacher will put you in to your drumming groups for your assessment. Your drumming piece must include the following musical elements so that it is stylistic of African drumming:

SUCCESS CRITERIA

  • A steady beat.
  • Good timing (all parts in time to together, following the beat)
  • A clear structure (beginning, middle and end or ABA)
  • Polyrhythms (including a syncopated rhythm).
  • Call and copy.
  • Call and response (with the response being clearly improvised and in time).
  • Dynamics (loud and quiet sections to make it exciting).
  • Solo sections.
  • Optional - vocals from the song Babethandaza