STUDENT/PLAYER GUIDE

Your mission is to explore rhythm instruments and beat-programming in your Soundtrap studio. Since you share studio space with your bandmates, you'll need to agree on tempo (e.g., fast vs. slow), mood (e.g., high energy vs. chill), and style (e.g., digital vs. acoustic sounds vs. a mix). Even small tempo adjustments can change how the music feels. As you proceed on this music making journey, remember that the tempo can be easily changed, as long as your bandmates agree.

Step 1: Re-create - Create a simple beat using only the kick drum and snare. Try to recreate the rhythm track in the classic rock song "We Will Rock You" by Queen. The loop should include the following: kick drum on the 1 and 2; snare plays the 3; and a rest on the 4.

Step 2: Remix - Add a cymbal pattern to your beat. Think about syncopation (e.g., different rhythm patterns that play ‘off’ the beat), and variance (e.g., a change that disrupts the pattern to create a moment of surprise). Listen to another bandmate's track and share some KSHH feedback.

Step 3: Create your own - Try changing the kick and snare pattern to become your own. Add at least one more rhythm instrument to your loop. Want to stretch your groove even further? Experiment with syncopation and variance, explore different instrument options, or apply special effects. When you’re done, listen to another bandmate's track and share some KSHH feedback.

Step 4: When all players have completed steps 1-3, nominate someone in the band to share the studio output with your teacher.

TEACHER/PRODUCER GUIDE

Your bands will be using the "Band X Music" Soundtrap template for Unit 3 - Unit 6. (See Teacher/Producer Playbook for setup instructions.)
Note: Unless students need extra support, we recommend you remove the existing "We Will Rock You" beat from each Rhythm track before students open the studio.
Introduce the activity and confirm all players understand the steps.
Share your screen with the class as you demonstrate how to create rhythm using the three step sequence (re-create, remix, create your own). We recommend you work with a band to demonstrate how to follow these steps.
For a review on how to use the Rhythm track’s Pattern tab, please see Unit 2, Activity 3, Step 2: “Create a Rhythm”
Step 1: Re-create - Students first re-create a simple rhythmic pattern. Teachers can decide on the preferred tempo and note values. We recommend this:

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Step 2: Remix - Students will add a hi-hat or cymbal pattern to begin remixing the rhythm into their own creation. Here’s an example:

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Step 3: Create your own - Students will add more instruments by clicking the “Add+” button under the Kick, Snare, HighHat instrument buttons in the Pattern window. Students should be encouraged to change the “We Will Rock You” pattern into their own rhythm as they add more instrument voices and explore sound choices. The best way to do all of this composition and production is while the loop of the rhythm is playing, so the student can hear their changes in real time as they experiment. A finished pattern might look like this:

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Option: If students want/need more challenges, the teacher can add more measures, (or add more tracks), to students’ lanes. Professional beat makers often use more than one rhythm track to create layers of rhythms that can be adjusted, mixed, and arranged individually.
When finished, students will listen to their bandmates’ rhythms and give KSHH feedback (verbally, in the Soundtrap chat window, or in the band's slides).
Invite each band to update their Google slides with their rhythm work and to give their bandmates KSHH feedback on the next slide. To export an mp3 from Soundtrap, select File>Export>Export as mp3.

RUBRIC

Exemplary (5)

Step 1: Re-create the Beat complete
Step 2: Re-Mix the Beat complete
Step 3: Create Your Own complete
Step 4: Export and Post Up complete
Shares KSSH feedback with another student

Proficient (4): 4 of 5 complete

Progressing (3): 3 of 5 complete

Emerging (2): At least 1 complete

Beginning (1): 0 complete

TEACHER RESOURCES

Video: Drum Loop in Soundtrap, by ISD31 Videos, YouTube.com, April 2018

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Video: Queen - We Will Rock You (Official Video), YouTube.com

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