Unit Plan 5 (Grade 7 Band): Rhythm Accuracy & Subdivision
Boost 7th grade band rhythm literacy with subdivision-based counting, metronome practice, and form analysis so students perform dotted rhythms, sixteenths, and syncopation with steady tempo while explaining how rhythm creates contrast and unity.
Focus: Strengthen rhythmic precision using counting systems and subdivision, and understand how rhythm and other musical elements create contrast and unity in band music.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Band (Performing • Rhythm Literacy • Form & Structure)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students zoom in on rhythm as the engine that keeps band music moving together. They practice feeling a steady pulse, using subdivision (e.g., “1-&” and “1-e-&-a”) to perform increasingly complex rhythms with accuracy. Through clapping, saying counts, playing on their instruments, and using a metronome, they learn to read and perform rhythmic patterns that appear in real band music, including dotted rhythms, sixteenth-note groupings, and syncopation. Students also analyze how rhythmic motives and patterns help define sections of a piece and create contrast and unity in musical form.
Essential Questions
- How does a steady pulse and subdivision help me play rhythms accurately and together with the band?
- What strategies can I use to count, clap, and play more complex rhythms (dotted notes, sixteenth notes, syncopation)?
- How do rhythmic patterns help create contrast and unity between different sections of band music?
- In what ways does improving my rhythm accuracy make rehearsals smoother and performances more confident?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Maintain a steady pulse and use verbal counting systems (e.g., “1-&-2-&” or “1-e-&-a”) to read and perform written rhythms.
- Accurately clap, say, and play basic and intermediate rhythms, including eighth notes, sixteenth-note groupings, dotted rhythms, and simple syncopation.
- Use subdivision to keep tempo steady during challenging passages and to align with a metronome.
- Identify and describe how rhythmic motives and patterns help define sections and form (e.g., A/B sections) and create contrast or unity in band pieces.
- Reflect on personal rhythmic strengths and set at least one specific practice goal for improving rhythm accuracy.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Pr4.7b — Read and perform band music using standard notation, including varied rhythms, key signatures, and expressive markings, maintaining steady tempo.
- Example: Students perform music with dotted rhythms and accidentals accurately.
- BD:Re7.7a — Identify and describe how musical elements and form function in band music to create contrast and unity.
- Example: Students identify ABA form and explain how the B section changes dynamics and texture.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can count, clap, and play rhythms using a steady pulse and subdivision (like “1-e-&-a”).
- I can perform dotted rhythms, sixteenth-note patterns, and simple syncopation with mostly correct timing.
- I can stay with a metronome and keep my part aligned with the ensemble.
- I can listen to a band piece and explain how rhythmic patterns help separate or connect different sections.
- I can name one rhythm skill I am confident in and one specific rhythm or pattern I still need to practice.