Afro-Cuban Music: counting in quavers and using quantising.

Task: Using Garageband (or Logic) create a short Afro Cuban arrangement.

Starter:  With a partner try clapping each of the rhythms in the grid below.

Here are the rhythms in more traditional notation.

Be ready to perform your rhythms with the rest of the class.  You have 2 minutes.

Task 1: Create your 4 Afro Cuban rhythms 

Task:  Read your rhythms into Garageband.

1. Open Garageband.

2. File/New/Empty Project

3. Select Software instrument.    ->   ->   ->   -> 

4. Instruments -> Select Orchestral instruments

5. Create 3 Orchestral Kit tracks:
Clave: Eb above C3 or press P on your Musical typing Window.

6. Record in each track. Set your BPM to 80. Ensure your Click track is on. (Shortcut: K). 

 Work quickly: you will have only ten minutes to complete all 6 steps of task 1. 

By adding several layers of rhythms over one another you are creating a type of rhythm. Can you name it?

Task 2:  Use quantise to correct the rhythms you played in.

 
Follow the demonstration by the teacher and use quantise (shortcut Q) to ensure your notes play back on the correct beat.

1. Select your top track with your 3:2 Clave rhythm.

2. Press E to open the Editor.

3. Press CMD + A to select all your notes. 
Now select 1/8 Note in the window to your left. 
This will ensure all notes are moved to the nearest 8th note.  

What is the correct UK terminology for an eighth note?

4. Continue to Quantise your other 3 tracks.

Task 3: Add a Montuno track to your piece.

A Montuno is an ostinato set over a limited amount of chords and played to an afro-cuban beat.

Add another Software instrument to your piece. 
Steinway Grand piano will be a fine sound.

Here are two ways for you to read the Montuno:

In a rhythmic grid.

Or in traditional notation.

Extension:  Can you quantise your Montuno tracks?

Last 5 minutes: Be ready to perform your parts to the class.