Reply To: Rhythm Syllable Systems

[nafmeadmin]

I use Du Du de and don’t have any problems. I switch the kids over to 1+2+ around 3rd grade when we start reading recorder music. I work real hard in 4th grade band with reading/writing in counts/clapping rhythms. My middle school/high school director is very hardset with theory and tradition that I’m sure she never utters any words besides 1+2+. I can’t imagine most high school directors do.

I’ve never had a problem switching from Du Du du to numbers. We use heartbeats while reading du/du-de and when I make the switch, we simply count how many heartbeats in a measure and write the numbers. The less explanation the better-in my experience. Just lead by example. Whatever you say, they will eventually start saying too. I think we teachers over think things sometimes!