High up in the apple tree climbing I go,
With the sky above me, the earth below.
Each branch is the step of a wonderful stair
Which leads to the town I see shining up there.
Climbing, climbing, higher and higher,
The branches blow and I see a spire,
The gleam of a turret, the glint of a dome,
All sparkling and bright, like white sea foam.
On and on, from bough to bough,
The leaves are thick, but I push my way through;
Before, I have always had to stop,
But to-day I am sure I shall reach the top.
Today to the end of the marvelous stair,
Where those glittering pinacles flash in the air!
Climbing, climbing, higher I go,
With the sky close above me, the earth far below.
(from Musicplay 3, June week 1)
Orchestrating a Poem using Word Highlights:
1. Teach the poem or one verse of the poem.
2. Play the poem on non-pitched percussion instruments. (Play the rhythm of the poem as shown above.)
3. Review families of classroom instruments: metals, woods, drums, shakes and scrapes Try playing the poem on each instrument family. Try playing one line 1 on metal, 2 on woods, 3 on drums, etc.
4. Have the class circle or underline words in the poem that they feel are the most important. In your class, students could use different colored markers to underline words. If your students are working in groups or with a partner, have them discuss this with their group or partner and share their ideas. (pair and share)
5. Choose rhythm instruments, found sounds or body percussion for each highlighted word. Play and say the poem using all the rhythm instruments that you’ve chosen.
6. Just play the poem - think the words.
7. Decide on a final form. You could say the poem, say the poem with all instruments, say the poem with highlighting instruments, just play the poem with the highlighting instruments. The creators should decide on the form.
As an extension to this activity, create a simple song using the lyrics.
When students have tried either rhythm ostinatos with a poem or word highlighting a poem as a class, it will be easier for them to try doing this with their own group.
Add an Ostinato:
Another way to orchestrate a poem is to create an ostinato to perform with the poem. This way of orchestrating a poem will work best when the poem is in 4/4 meter and is a simple chant.
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