Warabadon - djembe and dundun parts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the context of the Warabadon rhythm and can perform the rhythms in compound time using untuned percussion.
Key learning points
- Warabadon is a dance rhythm which originates in Burkina Faso.
- It is in 12/8 so the rhythms have a shuffle feel.
- 12/8 is in compound time, where the beat is divided into groups of three quavers rather than two (like in simple time).
- Performing the Warabadon rhythm, changing rhythms between the different sections.
Keywords
Warabadon - a rhythm from Burkina Faso, often played at weddings
Compound time - when each beat of the bar is divided into three quavers rather than two
12/8 - a compound time signature with twelve quavers in a bar; these quavers are in four groups of three
Shuffle - a triplet rhythm in which only the first and third notes are played, skipping the middle one
Common misconception
Swapping comfortably and accurately from one rhythm to another with the overall structure.
This is quite tricky as the strucutre is complex. Break it down for pupils so they learn each section comfortably and encourage them to practise going from one rhythm to the next and think about strategies for remembering the rhythms.
Teacher tip
The dundun parts are more complex and will take time to put together with the djembe parts. Break down the rhythms so pupils can see and hear how each section works together. The Warabadon can work without adding the dundun parts and pupils can be encouraged to make up their own rhythms instead.
Equipment
Djembe and dunduns can be replaced with bass, mid and treble versions of any untuned percussion. You can also use cupped hands (bass), palm clap (tone) and full clap (slap) as an alternative.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the 'call' in African drumming?
Q2.What is an Echauffement?
Q3.Many different rhythms that fit together create a
Q4.The iron bell that plays a distinct rhythm alongside the drums is known as the
Q5.Bass, and slap are the low, medium and high pitched strikes on the djembe
Q6.A rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats is called
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Compound time, a beat is divided into groups of rather than a groups of two or four.
Q2.Which of these are examples of compound time?
Q3.What is the term for a triplet rhythm in which only the first and third notes are played, leaving out the middle one?
Q4.What name is given the rhythm from Burkina Faso, often played at weddings?
Q5.What is a flam (represented by ‘F’ in the notation)?
Q6.Which of these are dundun parts?
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Warabadon - djembe and dundun parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Warabadon - djembe and dundun parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Djembe drumming and rhythms from the regions of West Africa unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.