The Building Blocks of Composition
Today we are going to the BBC Ten Pieces party!
The party features the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (click on the orchestra's name to find out more
about it), conductor Clark Rundell and globally acclaimed pianist and composer Julian Joseph.
The fun is hosted by CBBC presenters Karim Zeroual and Lauren Layfield.
At the party, there are three lessons which will teach us all about the building blocks of composition and
how music is written. These building blocks include:
- rhythm
- melody
- tempo
- dynamics
We will also be introduced to famous pieces of music from the BBC Ten Pieces.
Lesson 1 - Rhythm
Our first lesson explores rhythm. We will have a brief introduction to rhythm, syncopation and starting our own compositions.
We will also be introduced to the following piece of music:
Bernstein's 'Mambo' from Symphonic Dances from 'West Side Story'
Please click on the title of the music above (Mambo) to find out more.
Please click on the picture below, then the first box on the website page, to watch the video:
There is a lot to do!
- Try getting up on your feet and moving to the pulse of the piece, through clapping and tapping your feet.
- Then listen for a particular rhythmic pattern and join in with the shout of ‘mambo’ at the right time.
- If you'd like to, please take a picture of yourself enjoying the 'mambo' moment!
Activity
As you take part in the party, please complete the sheet for 'Activity 1 - Rhythm'.
An interesting challenge - please try to use the rhythm of language as a tool to start composing a rhythm.
Also, please think about how you could adapt existing rhythms to create new ones.
Please click on the sheet below to print the sheet or write out the instruction.
Once completed, please send it to your class teacher for me in the usual way - a photo or a scanned copy will be fine.
Please let me know how you get on and what you have learned.
Thank you for working hard today. Next time, we are going to think about MELODY ... See you soon!
Mrs Sumner
Thank you to the wonderful people at the BBC and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales
for sharing this lesson with us. The video was first screened in 2016.
Summer Term 2025
Fun, Inspiring (and often quite loud!) Music Lessons for Home School Hubs and Primary Schools
Specialising in:
- Primary Music Curriculum provision
- Whole Class Instrumental teaching
- Includes free use of instruments!
07941 282311
In association with
Little Strummers
"I found it very interesting and I thought that children learned about rhythm, by using body percussion without even realising that they were in a lesson, because it was so much fun for them!"
"I would highly recommend it!"
"I thought the song was lovely - there was a nice mix of playing the bowls, clapping, singing and actions. The whole idea of kitchen percussion is a brilliant one for lockdown but good in usual times too."
"The level of what you did/taught was perfect for their age and similar to things they do at school."
"The children all thoroughly enjoyed the session and were engaged throughout. They enjoyed having the opportunity to hold their own ukulele and learn to play along to some simple songs."
"The session was delivered brilliantly and the different stages were broken down into small sections to allow all children to participate."