Grade Level: secondary (music technology class)

Concept:  theme and variation form

Objectives:
    SWBAT create their own variation(s) on the main theme of "Russian Sailors' Dance" by Gliere

Materials/Preparation:
 
    NOTE: this lesson plan is written for MAC computers
 
    load the following Finale file onto all student computers:
 
    click here to download the Finale file

Teaching Strategies:

    Review theme and variation form
        -what are some ways we can vary a melody?
        -write down student suggestions on the blackboard for future reference

    Explain Assignment
        -theme is given; come up with at least one variation using a minimum of two of the variation techniques on the board
        -if time allows, do a second variation

    Give instructions for using Finale
        1. double click "themevar" icon on desktop
        2. go to "window" and open the "simple entry palette"
        3. select the desired note values to create variations (lines 2 and 3) on the theme (line one)

        To listen to the theme and/or variations:
        1. go to "window" and open "instrument lists"
        2. put a black square in the "play" box next to the part you want to listen to
        (do this by clicking on it if it is empty; if there are black squares in other boxes, turn them off by clicking on them)
        NOTE: only have one box highlighted at a time; otherwise they will all play at the same time
   &n