Organizing Seven Beats

• In Section 1 you learned how to divide seven beats into groups of 3+2+2. Another way to divide the same number of beats is 2+2+3.
• To hear this organization, clap along (without music) with every beat in the following example, accenting each number "1."

1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 3

• Now try a 2+3+2 organization:

1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 1 - 2

• Decide which organization of seven beats you find the most interesting rhythmically. Explain your preference.

Organizing Five Beats

• The meter signature of 5/4 can also be divided into groups of two and three beats, specifically 2+3 or 3+2. Try counting and clapping each of these possibilities.

1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 3

1 - 2 - 3 - 1 - 2

Musical Challenge

• Now challenge yourself to discover how many ways you can organize nine beats. Share your examples with other students and learn to perform them by clapping, patting, or using a percussion instrument.

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