Here is a lesson plan that you could use with students in grades 3 and up and should take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Objectives: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Priming (5 minutes)
Hook the student's interest by either performing for them on a bucket or by showing them a video of bucket drumming. Try to find a group (rather than solo) bucket drumming video with performers about the same age as your students. This will help to excite the students and also manage their expectations.
Make sure to give them a prompt before you hit play so they are not just listening vicariously. ex. "Can you tap the steady beat on your shoulder during the performance?" or "Are they drumming in duple or triple meter?" Here are two videos you might consider:
For younger students: For older students:
Objectives: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Move sticks with basic coordination
- Describe what bucket drumming is
- Play a basic One Bucket Groove
1. Priming (5 minutes)
Hook the student's interest by either performing for them on a bucket or by showing them a video of bucket drumming. Try to find a group (rather than solo) bucket drumming video with performers about the same age as your students. This will help to excite the students and also manage their expectations.
Make sure to give them a prompt before you hit play so they are not just listening vicariously. ex. "Can you tap the steady beat on your shoulder during the performance?" or "Are they drumming in duple or triple meter?" Here are two videos you might consider:
For younger students: For older students:
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2. Introduce Sticks with Stick Mirror (3 minutes)
All music teachers have different ways of introducing sticks. Have your students get used to moving sticks in a coordinated way by using this activity:
All music teachers have different ways of introducing sticks. Have your students get used to moving sticks in a coordinated way by using this activity:
3. Echo Patterns (2 minutes)
Teacher plays a pattern, then students play it back. Since echo patterns are used all the time(and often misused), students will immediately feel successful. At first, use just hands together and two sounds(Center and Rim).You could even play this audio file for students while you walk around and help with technique:
Teacher plays a pattern, then students play it back. Since echo patterns are used all the time(and often misused), students will immediately feel successful. At first, use just hands together and two sounds(Center and Rim).You could even play this audio file for students while you walk around and help with technique:
4. Repertoire (5-7 minutes)
Drummers often play grooves so it makes sense to start with a One Bucket Groove like this:
Drummers often play grooves so it makes sense to start with a One Bucket Groove like this:
Be forewarned: Students of all ages will start to chant "We will rock you" once they begin playing this groove. How any kid knows a tune from 1977 is beyond me, but if it helps them get started drumming quicker, great! With everybody playing the same rhythm pattern on loop, your students will quickly be able to hear and see if they are out of sync.
This lesson serves as an introduction to bucket drumming and doesn't focus too long on specific skill building. The goal is to get your bucket drumming group up and running in minimal time with minimal stress (on both you AND the students).
How do you introduce bucket drumming to your general music students? Leave your ideas in the comments.
How do you introduce bucket drumming to your general music students? Leave your ideas in the comments.
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