MORE Outdoor Music Ideas!

As we near the end of the school year and warm, sunny days arrive, today's newsletter will present additional outdoor music class ideas!
 
In our previous outdoor music newsletter, we shared some fun skipping songs and chasing game ideas. For a refresher, click here: Outdoor Music Ideas!

Recorder Composition

This is a great activity for outside as it gives students the space to improvise and compose melodies. The recorder composition blank template can help them create playable and musical ideas. You can find this template in Instruments > Recorder > Recorder Kit 1 > Intro to Recorder.

 

Scroll down to the Supporting Resources and click on View All + under Printables.

 

 

Recorder Composition Blank Template

*To access the materials, please log in to MusicplayOnline.

 

Instructions:

• Limit students to the rhythms: ta, ti-ti, rest.
• Limit notes to BAG, BAG E, or BAG ED, based on their playing ability.
  • If using BAG E, end on G or E.
  • If using BAG, end on G. 

1. Have students create a rhythm pattern under the hearts and check it.
2. If the rhythm works, have them improvise melodies on that rhythm using the notes BAG or BAG ED.
   • When they have a melody they like, they should write the letters in.
   • After playing their melody successfully, they should write the notes on the staff.
3. Accompany melodies on a bass metallophone or xylophone:
   • For melodies ending on G, use a G-D bordun.
   • For melodies ending on E, use an E-B bordun.

 Boomwhacker Composition

Here's another fun outdoor activity for your class that can span two periods: 

• Divide students into groups.
• Provide each group with pentatonic Boomwhackers.
• Invite them to create a rhythmic composition with movement.
  • Try this with melodic compositions (may require more time).
• Have the groups perform for each other.

In the Boomwhacker section on MusicplayOnline, you'll find stick games that incorporate Boomwhackers as props. Navigate to Instruments > Boomwhacker > Games > Stick Games or click the link here: Stick Games (on MusicplayOnline). E Papä & Maori and Mäku e are excellent choices for students seeking a challenge, as they include a throwing component.

E Papä & Maori Kids Demo

E Papä & Maori Kids Demo

*To access the materials, please log in to MusicplayOnline.

Watch a Maori Titi Torea Performed by the Polynesian Cultural Center.

 

The Maori Stick Game

*To access the materials, please log in to MusicplayOnline. 

 

Drumming or Bucket Drumming

These activities would be fun to teach outside, but you'll need to plan to teach it by rote.

 

Here are some composition activities to try outside! Download the worksheets and audio files in the supporting resources section. If you have a way to project the sound (bluetooth speaker), your students can create a pattern and play along!

 

Create a pattern on the bucket drum: Compose Using 16th Notes (on MusicplayOnline) 

Create a pattern using 2 parts of the bucket: Compose Using Two Parts (on MusicplayOnline) 

 

 

Another creative (and quieter) idea is to have students create their own Body Percussion routine.

 

 Create Your own Body Percussion Sequence

*To access the materials, please log in to MusicplayOnline.

 

 

Recorder Baseball

The Print & Play version is a perfect way to take this activity outdoors! Print Singles and Doubles on brightly colored card stock. Laminating isn’t necessary since you will be the only one handling these cards. This would be a great project for a parent volunteer.
 

Discover more levels by clicking here: Recorder Baseball (on MusicplayOnline) 

Playground Balls

Plainsies Clapsies

A fun activity to play outside using playground balls instead of bean bags!

 

 

Plainsies Clapsies Kids Demo 

Check out our free Wednesday Webinar held on May 29, 2024, at 4:30 MT!

Camp S’More: Activities for Summer Camp Fun Now and Summer Magic Recall in the Fall! Webinar with David Katz

 
Register here: https://workshops.musicplay.ca/courses/camp-smore-activities-for-summer-camp-fun-now-and-summer-magic-recall-in-the-fall-with-david-katz/

 
Help us get in touch with your District Arts Coordinator! This is the person in your district office who oversees centralized arts purchasing and curriculum decisions. Please connect us with your district by cc'ing us on an introductory email. You can send this email to morgan@musicplay.ca. You can find an email template by clicking this link: https://marketing.musicplay.ca/build-the-musicplay-community-in-your-district
 
Your role in connecting us with your District Arts Coordinator is greatly appreciated! As a thank you, you'll be eligible to receive at least one of the following:*

1. Connect us with your District Arts Coordinator and choose a free download from our list on the Musicplay Store!
2. If your District Arts Coordinator chooses to purchase a district-wide subscription to MusicplayOnline, we will send you a $50 Discount Code to the Musicplay Store!

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