Do You Use Boomwhacker Play-Alongs with Vertical Notation or Horizontal Notation?

For me, the answer is both! Vertical notation can help students begin performing successfully without first having to understand everything about traditional notation. They can see which Boomwhackers play together, recognize chord changes and repeated patterns, and focus on maintaining a steady beat and performing as an ensemble.

Horizontal notation gives students a different opportunity. It reinforces the left-to-right direction of traditional music reading, encourages students to look ahead, and helps them recognize measures, phrases, rhythmic patterns, and musical form. It also builds skills that can transfer to other classroom instruments and future ensemble experiences.

I might begin a song with vertical notation so that my students can experience success quickly. Once they are comfortable with their parts, I can switch to horizontal notation and help them connect what they have already heard and performed with the way music is traditionally read.

MusicFirst Elementary Newest Update

This is why I am so excited about the new instrument apps in MusicFirst Elementary. The play-alongs can be viewed vertically or horizontally, giving teachers the flexibility to select the format that best supports their students’ reading readiness, previous musical experiences, and the goals of the lesson. I feel that we do not have to choose one approach over the other. We can use both to help students experience success as performers while continuing to develop their music-reading skills.

What are your thoughts?