Year 8

What are the role of different percussion instruments, and how can we best describe their sounds?

Year 8

What are the role of different percussion instruments, and how can we best describe their sounds?

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, we will explore the different percussion instruments of West Africa before composing using different textures and sonorities.

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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4 Questions

Q1.
The Sabar is a Senegalese drum that is played at many celebration events. Which of the following is not an event mentioned in the video?
Baptism
Full moon
Correct answer: Funeral
Wedding
Q2.
How does the size of a drum influence its pitch?
Size does not affect the pitch of a drum.
The bigger the drum, the higher the pitch.
Correct answer: The smaller the drum, the higher the pitch.
Q3.
Polyphonic texture describes
A texture based on chords that accompanies a distinct melody line.
A texture consisting of a solo musical line.
Correct answer: Two or more melodies or parts that play at the same time, weaving in and out of each other.
Q4.
A polyrhythm is
A texture only used in West African music.
When two or more chords are played at the same time.
Correct answer: When two or more rhythms with different pulses are heard together.

5 Questions

Q1.
Percussion instruments
Are only played with sticks
Correct answer: Can be tuned and untuned
Cannot play a melody
Q2.
What is/are the main role/s of tuned percussion instruments ?
Correct answer: Harmony and melody
Melody
Melody and rhythm
Melody, harmony and rhythm
Q3.
Axatse, balafon, djembe, gankogui, sabar, talking drums are percussion instruments typically played in which continent?
Correct answer: Africa
Asia
Europe
South America
Q4.
What role might a balafon play in a West African ensemble?
Harmony
Melody
Correct answer: Melody and/or harmony
Q5.
How can you make the pitch of a rubber band higher?
Make the band looser
Correct answer: Make the band tighter
Play it louder