Orff Basic Class Notes 2013 - Beatin' Path Publications, LLC

VCU Basic Orff 2013
Brent Holl, Instructor
Homework Review
Aim:
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Reinforcement of metered text, ostinato writing, and bitonic melodies.
Process:
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Make 3 or 4 groups.
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Select one of the homework assignments from the members of your group from day 2 to
share with the class.
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Learn the assignment together and prepare a simple performance.
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Share with the class.
Homework Assignment for Session 4
1. Choose a text or rhyme from your favorite book, find the easiest, most natural flowing, childcentered
meter and notate exactly.
2. Add two complementary speech ostinatos either related or derived.
3. Transfer the speech ostinatos to unpitched instruments of your choice.
4. Write out your piece on staff paper, neatly and correctly, in full score.
Homework Helper - Robbin the Bobbin (Mother Goose, arr. BMH)
Aim:
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Preparation for Day 4 homework assignment.
Suggestions:
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An ostinato should be repeated at least 2 times, (or it isn’t an ostinato)
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An ostinato should be horizontal, should have good structure, should be of more than one
measure (sometimes shorter ones are OK and even desirable, but not generally.), and there
should be a sense of tension and relaxation in the phrasing.
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Always try for complementary rhythms when creating ostinatos. (The ostinato and the words
should not have unison rhythms). It won’t be perfect but their can’t be too many unisons.
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Ostinatos may be derived from the source directly or may be related. (McRae ‘80)
Robbin the Bobbin
Robbin the Bobbin the big bellied Ben,
He ate more meat than four-score men.
He ate a cow, he ate a calf,
He ate a butcher and a half,
He ate a church, he ate a steeple,
He ate the priest, he ate all the people.
A cow and a calf, An ox and a half,
A church and a steeple,
And all the good people!
Day4:34