Students have written unique four-beat compositions using quarter notes, paired eighth notes, and quarter rests.

Margaret Chase Smith's 4th grade music classes have been working on a composition unit.

Students have written unique four-beat compositions using quarter notes, paired eighth notes, and quarter rests.

First, they brainstormed different possibilities using whiteboards and either performed or had a peer perform their rhythm to test it.

They transitioned to a final draft once they found a rhythm they liked.

Finally, students have been playing their rhythms in different ways on glockenspiels to determine the pitches they want to assign each note.

Their goal is to have a four-beat composition that any other 4th grader could understand and perform on glockenspiel.

The final compositions will be displayed in the hallway by the music room.