The Last Few Days (Part Two)

Last week I described how SmartMusic can be used to review material - even when half the class is absent because of holiday-related events. As an example, I provided a rhythm exercise which the students clapped. Of course instruments can be used too; here's another activity to try.

SmartMusic Face-off

Objective:

Students from two opposing teams perform lines from their method book to earn points.

Purpose:

• To review material learned in class in a fun manner
• To give students the opportunity to be assessed by SmartMusic in a class setting
• To have the students perform in front of their peers

Recommended Set-up:

• Computer hooked up to LCD projector
• Screen
• Speakers
• SmartMusic microphone
• Instruments
• Board to keep score (and score keeper)
• Chair
• Music Stand
• Snare drum and xylophone

Procedure:

1. Separate the class into two teams using any combination of instruments. 
2. Each team decides the order in which team members perform. This is called the "line-up."
3. In the first round, the first player in the line-up from Team 1 picks a number out of their method book to perform. Each page of the book is worth different point values. For example, an exercise on page one is worth 1 point and on page seven, 7 points.
4. The first student from each team's line-up comes to the front of the room to perform in the "hot seat."
5. Using the SmartMusic microphone, each student plays the selected line using their method book. The line is assessed and scored by SmartMusic.
6. If the person on Team 1 that selected the line gets the higher score, that team is awarded all the points. If the player on Team 2 gets a higher score, that team earns 2 points for "breaking" the other team. Round 1 is now over.
7. Using the procedure as described above, Round 2 begins with Team 2 now choosing a line from the method book.
8. The game continues until a certain score is reached or time runs out.
9. GAME CHANGER: When it is their turn, a team can request a "Game Changer" that is worth 10 points. This is where the teacher chooses any line from the book. The team that declared the Game Changer chooses who on the team will attempt it. If the player scores a 100, the team will receive 10 points. If the team does not score a 100, the opposing team gets 5 points and it is their turn. 
10. Tie Breaker: If a tie at the end of the game occurs, the teacher can use any line from any of the method books in SmartMusic for the final Face-Off.

Points to Consider:

• The idea of the line-up is to pair students of the same ability levels against each other so that every student has the chance to be a contributing member of the team. Teachers may want to set the teams and line-ups ahead of time.
• Students watching are encouraged to follow along and quietly finger.
• Have a xylophone and/or snare drum set up so your percussionists can also be evaluated. For this activity it may be better just to use the xylophone.
• This activity can be used anytime throughout the year.

The above activity was created by Chris Grifa, a middle school band director from Bloomington, IN and a SmartMusic Advocate.

Best wishes for you, your students, and families for the New Year!