a musical genre originating from the 1960s that includes the layering of multiple short, repeated musical ideas (cells) that subtly change over time

a composer who creates new music in the style of minimalism

simple musical patterns that can be rhythmic or melodic (on ostinato in minimalism)

a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic

reusing musical ideas, patterns or phrases to make the music more memorable, add impact or create a musical structure

Whole Body Warm-up backing track

Who Stole The Cookie From The Cookie Jar? (example video)

H.E.L.L.O (four part round)

Springs Embrace by Marty Gionis

The key features of minimalism

Music

Creating and notating a repeating minimalist cell

Adding more minimalist cells to create a thicker texture

Building a minimalist piece

Notating a minimalist piece

Rehearsing, performing and appraising a minimalist performance

This unit introduces minimalism with its repetitive, hypnotic, short musical cells. Pupils will use Terry Riley’s In C to inspire their compositions. Working in groups, pupils will create short musical cells and decide how to use these to create and rehearse a larger minimalist piece.

Compose and rehearse: creating and combining minimalist cells

the organisation and feel of the beats, beginning with a strong beat

the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing

Spring's Embrace by Marty Gionis

Spring's Embrace (violin cell)

Rhythm E: Ta-mi Ta (Clave)

Rhythm A: Ta Ta-di Ta-di Ta (Clave + Voice)

Rhythm F: Ta Taka-mi Taka-mi Ta (Clave)

Rhythm A: Ta Ta-di Ta-di Ta (Clave)

Rhythm B: Takadimi Ta-di Ta-di (Clave + Voice)

Rhythm B: Takadimi Ta-di Ta-di (Clave)

Rhythm C: Takadi Ta Takadi Ta-di Ta (Clave + Voice)

Rhythm C: Takadi Ta Takadi Ta-di Ta (Clave)

Rhythm D: Ta Ta-dimi Shh Ta (Clave + Voice)

Rhythm D: Ta Ta-dimi Shh Ta (Clave)

Rhythm E: Ta-mi Ta (Clave + Voice)

Rhythm F: Ta Taka-mi Taka-mi Ta (Clave + Voice)

Fruit Canon (unison)

Bele Mama (unison)

Fruit Canon (backing track)

Fruit Canon (3 part round)

Bele Mama (accompaniment - unison into 4 part round)

Bele Mama (unison into 4 part round) 

Bele Mama (2 part round)

simple musical patterns that can be rhythmic or melodic (an ostinato in minimalism)

the combination of musical instruments used in a piece of music

Spring's Embrace (Marty Gionis) 

Spring's Embrace (Marty Gionis) - Headspace cell

Spring's Embrace (Marty Gionis) - electronic cell

Spring's Embrace (Marty Gionis) - French horn cell

Spring's Embrace (Marty Gionis) - Viola cell 

Spring's Embrace (Marty Gionis) - Clarinet cell

Rise Up O Flame (two part round)

Rise Up O Flame (unison)

Bate Bate Chocolate

Whole Body Warm-up (backing track)

Rise Up O Flame (four part round)

to deliberately make an effort to improve musical skills

to practise in order to improve and prepare for performance

to present music, playing or singing for an audience

to listen actively and critically in order to evaluate a piece of music

assess the quality and enjoyment of a musical performance, taking into account stage presence, accuracy of playing and musicality

Fruit Canon (three part round)

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Compose and rehearse: creating and combining minimalist cells

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