2nd Grade Playing In Duets, Trios, Or Small Flute Ensembles Lesson Plan Example

Topic: Playing in duets, trios, or small flute ensembles

Objectives & Outcomes:

• Students will be able to successfully play a simple flute melody in a duet, trio, or small flute ensemble.

Materials:

• Two or more flutes
• Music for a simple flute melody (can be in the form of a score or a recorded audio file)
• A practice room with a door for privacy
• Pen and paper for taking notes

Warm-up

• Review the parts of the flute and their names (see lesson plan on "Playing in a duet, trio, or small flute ensemble" for a review of these parts).
• Play a duet with one student playing the melody and the other student playing a simple rhythmic pattern using half-holing (see Lesson Plan on "Playing in a duet, trio, or small flute ensemble" for a review of half-holing).
• Have the students take turns being the leader and the follower.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of playing in a small flute ensemble.
• Explain that in a small flute ensemble, there are typically three flutes playing at the same time: one plays the melody, one plays a supporting part, and one plays a simple rhythmic pattern.
• Demonstrate how to play the melody, supporting part, and rhythmic pattern on the flute.
• Explain how to play half-holing on the flute (see Lesson Plan on "Playing in a duet, trio, or small flute ensemble" for a review of half-holing).
• Have the students practice playing the different parts on their own flutes, then have them try playing the parts together with the teacher leading.

Guided Practice

• Have the students play the parts together with the teacher leading, following the rhythm and tempo with the metronome.
• As the students are playing, walk around and provide individualized feedback and guidance.
• Ask questions: Are you playing the melody? Are you playing the correct rhythm? Are you half-holing correctly?

Independent Practice

• Have the students play the parts together without the teacher leading, following the rhythm and tempo with the metronome.
• Encourage the students to give each other individualized feedback and guidance as they are playing.
• Provide support as needed.

Closure:

• Have the students reflect on their experience playing in duets, trios, or small flute ensembles.
• Ask the students to share what they liked about playing in duets, trios, or small flute ensembles and any challenges they faced.