Take Five

Take Five is a jazz song composed by Saxophone player Paul Desmond and first recorded by the Dave Brubeck Band on July 1st, 1959. It is an excellent song to introduce the strange time signature of 5/4.

Take a listen as the Dave Brubeck band performs this song:

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I usually do this bean bag activity with the students, but passing objects during Covid is a big no-no, so not happening this year.

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Instead this year I am going to try a scarf activity

Take 5 (shortened)

Take Five (slowed way down)

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Try following these rhythms, they are saying 5/8 meter, but still counting to five

Body Percussion:

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Here are some other Take Five videos:

Line Rider

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Here is a body percussion song using 5/4 meter:

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Here is a song in another strange meter - 7/4. Try out the body percussion: