Theme and Variations
| Grade | Work Samples |
|---|---|
| End of Stage 5 (end of Year 10) | |
| Grade A | Ariel |
| Grade C | Jordan |
Description of activity
Students arrange the theme of The Streets of Forbes as well as two or three variations. The variations should consist of techniques such as a counter melody, exploration of tonality and the exploration of the concept of duration by manipulating aspects such as changing rhythmic values, changing tempo and syncopation. Students then select one of these variations for assessment.
Context
In this unit of work, students have undertaken a broad survey of the characteristics of the classical era. A focus on one section of this unit is Haydn's Emperor Quartet Op. 76, No 3, 2nd movement. Students performed the theme and investigated the techniques Haydn had employed in each of the four variations prior to commencing this composition task.
Areas for Assessment
Outcomes
A student:
5.4 demonstrates an understanding of the musical concepts through improvising, arranging and composing in the styles or genres of music selected for study
5.7 demonstrates an understanding of musical concepts through the analysis, comparison, and critical discussion of music from different stylistic, social, cultural and historical contexts
5.9 demonstrates an understanding of musical literacy through the appropriate application of notation, terminology, and the interpretation and analysis of scores used in the music selected for study.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- arrange the theme of The Streets of Forbes for chosen instrument/s
- compose a variation that explores techniques such as counter melody, exploration of tonality and the exploration of the concept of duration by manipulating aspects such as changing rhythmic values, changing tempo and syncopation
- demonstrate their understanding of musical literacy through the application of appropriate traditional notation
- include all relevant performance directions on their score.