Unit Plan 12 (Grade 8 Orchestra): Motive & Melody Composition

Focus: Compose a longer melody (12–16 measures) that shows clear contour, thoughtful motive repetition/variation, and a strong resolution to tonic within a given key and meter.

Grade Level: 8

Subject Area: Orchestra (Creating • Composing • Performing/Responding)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 8 orchestra students shift from improvising in the moment to composing notated melodies they can perform and share. Starting from a simple motive (short musical idea), they learn how to repeat, vary, and sequence it to build a 12–16 measure melody with a clear shape and ending on tonic. Students think about phrase structure (questions/answers), contour (rising/falling line), and cadence as they draft, revise, and notate their ideas. By the end, they will have a polished, playable melody that could be used as an opening theme, solo line, or future arrangement.

Essential Questions

• What makes a melody memorable and satisfying to listen to?
• How can a simple motive be repeated and varied to build a longer melodic line?
• How do contour, phrasing, and resolution to tonic help a melody feel complete?
• How can key, meter, and rhythm choices support the expressive character of a melody?
• In what ways does composing our own melodies help us better understand the music we perform in orchestra?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Create short motives (2–4 beats/measures) within a given key and meter using familiar scales and finger patterns.
2. Use repetition and variation (change of rhythm, contour, sequence, or range) to develop a motive into a longer 12–16 measure melody.
3. Design a melody with intentional contour (clear rise and fall) and phrase structure (question/answer or 4+4 grouping).
4. Ensure a strong resolution by ending the melody clearly on the tonic and supporting closing phrases with stable rhythmic and pitch choices.
5. Notate the melody correctly on the staff with key signature, meter, pitches, and rhythms that are playable on their instrument.
6. Share their melody through performance or peer reading and explain at least one compositional choice related to motive, contour, or resolution.

Standards Alignment — Grade 8 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Cr1.8b — Create short string melodies or motives within a given key and meter, showing intentional contour, repetition/variation, and strong resolution.
  • Example: Students compose a 12–16 measure melody that varies a motive and resolves clearly to tonic.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can write a motive in a given key and meter that fits my instrument.
• I can use repetition and variation to turn my motive into a longer melody.
• I can shape my melody so it has a clear contour and phrases that feel like musical sentences.
• I can end my melody on tonic (home note) in a way that sounds finished and satisfying.
• I can explain at least one compositional choice I made about motive, contour, or resolution.