OBJECTIVEã

PURPOSEã

Students will gain an understanding of how a blues jazz scale is built, and what characteristics it has making it different from the pentatonic scale. (Previously learned.)
Students will be expected to compose their own blues piece at the end of the unit to demonstrate their understanding of the subject.

Computer; projector/screen; CD Player; Examples of blues musicãMuddy Waters recording; Jessie Mae Mepham recording; Sibelius Compass software.

As students enter the classroom, a Muddy Waters song is playing. (Any song may be chosen from the CD). Once students are settled, a Jessie Mae Mepham song is played. (Again, any song may be chosen).
Following the recordings, a brief discussion will follow, based on the following questionsã≥Did the music sound strange?≤ ≥Why≤? ≥Was the music similar/different to a song sung using the pentatonic scale≤? ≥Can someone identify the style of music≤?

Following the anticipatory set, the students will be directed to watch the screen, as Sibelius Compass will guide the students in a detailed explanation of how a blues jazz scale is built. This scale will be compared to the pentatonic scale for comparisons of how intervals differ in the make-up of the scales.
Students will learn that the interval pattern is the same, no matter what key the music is in.

Following the Sibelius demonstration, students will be able to show their understanding of how the blues jazz scale is built by taking a quiz following the main lesson using the Sibelius software. Sibelius will keep track of correct/incorrect answers.

In lessons that follow this introduction to the blues jazz scale, students will further show their understanding of the subject by utilizing Sibelius Compass Tracker lessons. These are extensions whereby the students will demonstrate their understanding of the topic by composing their own blues song based on the blues jazz scale.
Students will be able to perform and record their compositions on the Sibelius tracker, and download them onto a disc for future use.