Page 24 - Music

(e) A semibreve: This has the value of four beats. Since there are four crotchets
in one semibreve, you will count four beats within one semibreve. In order
to maintain the full length of a semibreve beat, the first crotchet beat (One!)
will be counted loudly, when counting using numbers. On the contrary the
second, third and fourth crotchet beats (two! three! four!) will be counted
silently in your head. Figure 2.11 (a) shows how a semibreve can be counted
using numbers while clapping.

One! (two! three! four!)

Clap!

Figure 2.11 (a): Counting one semibreve using numbers while clapping
In order to maintain the full length of a semibreve beat, the first, second, third

and fourth crotchet beats (Ta-a-a-a!) will be counted loudly, when counting
using numbers. Figure 2.11 (b) shows how a semibreve can be counted using
w
syllables while clapping.

Ta - a - a - a!
Clap!

Figure 2.11 (b): Counting one semibreve using syllables while clapping

Activity 2.1

Observe various written musical pieces to identify the types of notes used.

Bar and bar lines
A bar is also known as a measure. It is a single unit of time that has a specific
number of beats repeated throughout a music composition. It guides the listening
or reading of music. Within each bar, there is an equal number of beats. Therefore,
each bar has an equal amount of time regardless of how wide it might appear.
Bar lines are vertical lines used in written music to separate notes and rests into
different bars and make music easier to read. Figure 2.12 shows how notes and
rests can be grouped in bars.

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