The lab stations this month are focused on the Baroque Period of music. This era of music ran from 1600 to 1750. Many of our modern instruments hadn’t been invented yet, so we recommend a keyboard for the composition station for the recommended style “theme and variations.”
The theme at the time was often associated with the patron, and the patron would support the musician to create the music they wanted. So the theme was done, and then variations that sounded very like the theme would also be done.
The keyboard is a stand-in for the instruments normally used in the Baroque period: harpsichord, organ, clavichord. You’ll also find in the composition station the ornaments that were often used in the period – which are exciting, quick notes that are attached to a main note. These ornament notes were not scored like they are now, so it was up to interpretation how to play them at the time.
The listening station has a YouTube playlist, and if you want to listen, please click here.
The music history station will give all the information you want to know about the Baroque Period. Two of the most important composers were Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederic Handel. It will also teach the students about characteristics, ornaments, and new music styles connected the period. Ask your student about these things!
Enjoy the January music lab stations. We can’t wait to see what you think of them, and the music the students create from them.