Fanfare Competition - Rhythm Inspired Composition

Australian curriculum content descriptions: 

Year 9 & 10 Music:

• Manipulate combinations of the elements of music in a range of styles, using technology and notation (ACAMUM100).
• Plan and organise compositions with an understanding of style and convention, including drawing upon Australian music by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists (ACAMUM102).

Syllabus Outcomes: MUS5.4, MUS5.5, MUS5.6.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking

Relevant parts of Year 9 and 10 achievement standards: Students analyse different scores and performances aurally and visually. They evaluate the use of elements of music and defining characteristics from different musical styles. They interpret, rehearse and perform solo and ensemble repertoire in a range of forms and styles. 

Unit of work: Artology Fanfare Competition.

Time needed: 60 minutes.

Level of teacher scaffolding: High – teacher requires musical knowledge to guide student ideas.

• Device capable of presenting a video to the class
• Manuscript paper, whiteboard
• Optional: Fanfare Competition DIY Student Toolkit

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Creativity

This lesson is part of the Fanfare Competition unit. The unit is designed for students to build their aural and technical skills while exploring music as an art form through listening, composing and performing. Students are encouraged to apply their learning by planning and organising a composition for the Fanfare Competition.

The competition encourages young people aged 12‐21 years to write a new work to be recorded by the Australian Youth Orchestra and played in venues across Australia to replace the ‘cue bells’ for audiences to take their seats. It is a wonderful way to showcase young artists and musicians, and encourage creativity in young people.