Learn about New Orleans, its music, and second line drumming.
Sing a well-known song from New Orleans.
Play three different rhythmic accompaniment patterns.
Sing in harmony with a descant.
Materials
United States map
Bass drum (or conga)
Snare drum (or tambourine)
Washboard (or cymbals)
Rhythm Patterns 1, 2, and 3 from Student Page (PDF)
Instructions
Invite group to stand and march in place at a steady walking tempo. Then, lead them in singing "When the Saints Go Marching In" from memory. (Their first two steps should be on when and saints. If students are not familiar with the song, sing and have them march along with you.)
Play "When the Saints Go Marching In."
ASK How is this version different? (the rhythm is different; it is more choppy, uneven, or syncopated; there are instruments)
Explain that the recorded version is how musicians in the city of New Orleans might play the song, especially if they were in a parade.
Locate New Orleans, Louisiana on a world map.
Read the Student Page (PDF): "New Orleans and Second Line Drumming."
ASK: What are some of the unique styles that come from New Orleans? (ragtime, Dixieland, jazz, and zydeco)
ASK: What does "Mardi Gras" mean? (Fat Tuesday in French. It is an annual celebration every February or March in New Orleans.)
ASK: How did "second line" music get its name? (The musicians were second in the parade.)
Sing the song together. ASK What are some repeated phrases in the song? (when the saints go marching in and when the sun begins to shine)
Rhythm patterns: Echo-clap each instrument's rhythm from the Student Page (PDF). Focus on one measure, then try two measures. When comfortable, transfer to instruments. Challenge them to maintain rhythmic accuracy and a steady tempo.
Bass Drum/Low Drum (conga): Ta rest Ta rest. Ta eighth rest-Ti Rest Ta
Snare Drum (or Tambourine): rest Ta rest Ta. rest Ti-Ti eighth rest-Ti Ta
Washboard (or Cymbals): Ta Ti-Ti Ta Ti-Ti. Ta Ti-Ti Ti-Ti Ti-Ti.
Divide the group in two with one playing the bass drum pattern and the other playing the snare drum pattern. If successful, add a third group to play the washboard/cymbals pattern. In order to be more successful, start slowly, then increase tempo when ready.
Sing and play instruments with the recording.
Echo-sing the descant (part 2) at the end of the song. A descant is an additional melody sung above the regular melody. Try singing with the recording as the entire group sings the descant harmony.
Divide into two singing groups: melody (part 1) and descant (part 2). Practice with a piano for vocal assistance, if needed. Sing again and switch parts.
Sing the entire song together with harmony and add the three rhythmic accompaniments on instruments. Try lining up parade-style, if desired!
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