Warabadon - structure and solo parts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play the Warabadon rhythm with the different sections, including an improvised solo.
Key learning points
- Warabadon has a structure consisting of different sections.
- Part 3 contains improvised solos which are performed by the djembefola and often include fast, complex triplet rhythms.
- The solo section of the Warabadon includes polyrhythm.
- This is a key feature which creates excitement and a thicker texture in the music.
- Performing the full Warabadon structure including an improvised solo.
Keywords
Polyrhythm - the combination of two or more different rhythms at the same time
Improvised solo - a featured part of a composition played by one person, where the player makes up the rhythm on the spot
Djembefola - the lead drummer
Triplets - three notes played in the time it normally takes to play two
Common misconception
Improvisation means making something up from nothing
You can use typical rhythms or features of the style as a basis oof any improvisation. This might mean using an establisehd idea such as a prepared triplet or syncopated rhtyhm and then extending the idea with something made up in the moment.
Teacher tip
When improvising, allow pupils to make mistakes and express themselves and praise anything that worked, no matter how small. Teach as a whole class or break down into smaller groups with more able pupils taking the lead. Take the time to recap the rhythms before introducing the echauffment section.
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.In compound time, a beat is divided into groups of
Q2.How many different sounds does the Djembe make?
Q3.What is the term for creating music on the spot?
Q4.What is a flam (represented by ‘F’ in the notation)?
Q5.Which of these dundun parts is usually the most syncopated?
Q6.A featured part of a composition played by one person, and often improvised is a
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In what context is the Warabadon rhythm usually played?
Q2.The combination of 2 or more different rhythms at the same time is called a
Q3.A short phrase to break up the main rhythms is called a
Q4.What is a featured part of a composition played by one person, where the player makes up the rhythm on the spot?
Q5.Three notes played in a beat where normally two would be played is a
Q6.What is the djembefola?
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Warabadon - structure and solo parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Warabadon - structure and solo 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.