Divide the class up by grouping males with low-pitched voices (bass), males with higher-pitched voices (tenors), females with low voices (altos), and females with high-pitched voices (sopranos). 

All groups will use the same note and repeatedly say a nonsense phrase such as ab-a-dab-a-ding-dong. Next have the students emphasize one of the syllables in the phrase.

After all groups get the idea, assign different notes to each group. The idea is for the groups to end up saying the words rhythmically on four different notes that create a harmony.

Lead a discussion about how singing is made up of the following elements.

• Rhythm: The time element in music. It measures the duration that a musical sound is made. By accentuating selected beats of a pattern you create what is called meter within the rhythm. When a group is rhythmic it is considered together.

• Harmony: Two or more notes that are sung or played at the same time that create a pleasing sound. A good harmony is considered “in tune,” and disharmony is considered “out of tune.”

• Melody: A melody is a succession of single musical tones, usually organized in an interesting and attractive manner, and having a definite beginning and end. A good melody fits together in a pleasing manner.

Show the TV Program  - Painting Pictures on Silence: Singer

 

Each group will say a phrase repeatedly. You might add a little fun by having them say tongue twisters. Assign each group a set of notes to go along with their phrase. For example, use the phrase Mary Had A Little Lamb and use one pitch on the first three words and a second pitch on the last two words. Make sure each group starts on a different pitch. Help them discover how using different pitches creates harmony and disharmony.

After practicing until they are happy with the rhythm and harmony they have fashioned, ask for a volunteer to improvise a melody over the four-part chorus they have created. Using our Mary Had a Little Lamb example, the improviser can start out by singing the original melody of the song and then change the rhythm to a rap or the notes to an entirely different melody.

Assemble small groups ensuring that each group has two basses, two tenors, two altos, and two sopranos, or at least one strong person from each part. Their assignment is to create a song using the same procedure as above, i.e. pick a phrase, develop a rhythmic pattern using different notes that creates a harmony, and adding someone to sing the melody.