DrumThing

1. CITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION · Title: DrumThing 1.6 · Author: Ron Miller · Publisher: Ronjam Music · Copyright 2004 · Platform: Macintosh · Peripherals: Mouse, Speakers, Sound Card · Grade/Age: Late Elementary, Junior High/Middle School, High School, Adult · Type of Class: General Music, Band, Orchestra.

2. TEACHER SUPPORT · Documentation: There are two documents that come with this program. The first is an overview of the program along with system requirements, issues with this version and simple instructions. The second is a list of General MIDI drum kit numbers. The newer version has MIDI glitch that was fixed specific instructions on saving and conversion, It also works with Sibelius 5. · Objectives: This program is a compact and simple application designed as a software version of a drum machine for creating drum patterns, loops and grooves. Targeted for the education market, this app can also be of use to the casual musician who desires a drum loop to practice with, or for experimenting with rhythmic patterns, or the composer, who, with the random feature, can find rhythmic ideas to be further developed.

3. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT · Specific Musical Content: This program is great for students who would like to experience with different drum sounds. Also, it can be used to keep the beat while ensemble members practice their parts at home. There are a great number of options to create a new loop, but there are also many that are preloaded into the program. · National Music Standards that could be addressed through this software: 1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

4. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND PEDAGOGICAL SOUNDNESS · This program is a great tool for kids to learn about composing without the stress of learning proper notation first. They can simply find the sound they like and place it in the desired box. The instructions are fairly clear. · The presentation of information seems a bit confusing at the start, but if the students read the instructions that come with the program, it is much easier. · The only graphic included in this program is the grid upon which students will enter desired sounds. This program would probably work best with older students who are not as dependent on colorful images for motivation. · This program is completely user driven. Once the instruction have been read and understood, students have unlimited time to experiment with various loops or create their own. The prerecorded MDIFiles give a good foundation for a drummer learning fundamentals on basic patterns. · This program’s structure is Discovery. - Through trial and error, students are able to create or listen to percussion loops. Their loops can demonstrate composing/improvising skills or be used to keep the beat while practicing. · Sequence of Materials: Good · Pace of Instruction: Excellent · Quality of Interaction: Excellent · Motivation for Students: Fair

5. RECORD KEEPING · Students are able to save the loops they create, but only if the program is purchased for $15. The free version does not allow saving.

6. OVERALL EVALUATION

· Although the graphics of this program are not as appealing as some others, I found it to be a lot of fun. There are a great number of percussion sounds (pitched and non-pitched) to choose from and hours could be spent creating and editing work. The program can also be used to help students understand what different meters sound like. Overall, if used with older students, perhaps late elementary and higher, I think it is a great tool for beginning composition. · Rating -- ***Good

7. REVIEWER Kathryn Smoker 4/6/2006