UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

Tamag, Vigan City

“Lesson Plan in MAPEH”

Lei Andrew B. Balmaceda
MATPE (Lesson Plan)

Grade Level: 7th Grade

Subject: MAPEH (Music)
Topic: Exploring World Music: African Drumming
Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
 Identify key characteristics of African drumming.
 Perform basic rhythms using African drumming techniques.
 Appreciate the cultural significance of African drumming.
Materials:
 African drums (Djembe drums or similar)
 Percussion instruments (shakers, bells, etc.)
 Audio or video recordings of African drumming performances
 Whiteboard or blackboard
 Markers or chalk
 Handouts with African drumming rhythms (optional)
Procedure:
Introduction (10 minutes):

Greet the students and review the previous lesson briefly.

Introduce the topic of African drumming, emphasizing its cultural significance and its
role in traditional African music.
Show a short video or play an audio recording of African drumming performance to engage
the students and create interest.
Body:
1. Characteristics of African Drumming (15 minutes):
Discuss the key characteristics of African drumming:
Use of polyrhythms (multiple rhythms played simultaneously)
Call and response patterns
Use of specific drumming techniques (slaps, bass tones, open tones)
Connection to dance and communal music-making
Display visual aids or draw on the board to illustrate the concepts as you explain them.
2. Basic African Drumming Techniques (20 minutes):
Demonstrate and teach the basic drumming techniques, such as slaps, bass tones, and open
tones, using an African drum.
Encourage students to practice each technique individually and provide feedback on their
technique.
Divide the students into pairs or small groups and have them practice the techniques together,
creating simple rhythms.
3. Group Performance (20 minutes):
Assign each group a specific rhythm or pattern to practice using the techniques they learned.
Provide time for the groups to practice and refine their rhythms.
Bring the groups together and have them perform their rhythms simultaneously, creating a
polyrhythmic ensemble.
Encourage students to listen and respond to each other's rhythms, creating a call and response
dynamic.
4. African Drumming Circle:

Arrange the students in a large circle and provide each student with a percussion instrument,
such as shakers or bells. Start a basic drumming rhythm on the African drum and have the
students join in by playing their percussion instruments. Encourage them to explore different
rhythms and experiment with call and response patterns.

5. Create an African Drumming Composition:

Divide the class into small groups and have each group compose their own African
drumming piece. Provide them with a set of rules, such as using specific drumming
techniques, incorporating call and response patterns, and including a specific rhythmic
structure. Give them time to practice and refine their compositions before performing them
for the class.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

Lead a class discussion on the cultural significance of African drumming, emphasizing its
role in community building and storytelling.
Recap the key points covered in the lesson, including the characteristics of African drumming
and the basic techniques learned.
Allow students to ask questions and provide feedback on their experience with African
drumming.
Assessment:
Observe students' participation and engagement during the lesson.
Evaluate their ability to perform basic African drumming techniques and rhythms.
Assess their understanding of the cultural significance of African drumming through class
discussions and written reflections.
Remember to tailor the lesson plan to the specific needs and abilities of your students. You
can modify the timing and activities as necessary.

Assignment: I want everybody to take a short video clip in which you have to make your
own composition of Basic African Drum Style. At least 1 minute of video. Put in in a flash
drive and submit your output by next week.