| Most of the music played throughout the world and the United States is wholly or partially improvised, yet the art of improvisation has never been a serious component of school programs in America. However, the recent publication of the National Standards For Arts Education (1994), includes standards for improvising music in grades K-4 using "a variety of sound sources, including traditional sounds, nontraditional sounds available in the classroom, body sounds, and sounds produced by electronic means" (p.27). The purpose of this project was to develop instructional materials, in the form of a teaching manual, for a one semester college or graduate level course, to prepare teachers to teach percussion ensemble improvisation.;The instruction consists of learning to play percussion instruments, composing, performing, conducting, and improvising music for percussion ensemble. Since the striking of percussion instruments does not present some of the fine motor-coordination problems related to bowing, fingering, or embouchure, children and beginners may quickly experience levels of ensemble music-making which might require more time with melodic instruments. And since simple parts can play important roles within complex structures, students with limited technical skills may participate in creating and performing fairly sophisticated pieces of music within a short period of time.;The approach used in the instructional materials in this project combines elements from the Western-European tradition with rhythms influenced by Afro-Latin music. Students use traditional Western music theory and notation to compose and play pieces designed to function as rhythm sections to accompany improvisation. The results of expert review and field testing suggest that these materials may be used as a sequenced guide to playing, composing, conducting, and improvising music for percussion ensemble.;This dissertation is divided into two main sections. Section one includes the introduction, procedures, results, and conclusions. Section two (See Appendix A) contains the actual instructional materials. |
