TMT34: Incredibox

Welcome to Episode 34 of Ten Minute Tips to Teach Music.

In today’s episode, I wanted to discuss the possibilities of using Incredibox in the classroom. Now, Katy Wardrobe (www.midnightmusic.com.au) was the first person who introduced me to Incredibox. When I first saw it in action, I realised it was a cute app but the implications for an investigation into the concepts was quite dynamic. So I thought I might talk about how it can be used in the classroom. 

10 Min Tips To Teach Music Podcast: Episode #34

There are currently 6 versions, 4 of which are free on a desktop – MAC or PC. The App costs $5.99 for iPad and iPhone. As our Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8) have iPads, I tend to use this with Years 9 and 10. They have BYOD laptops and they have access to the free versions. If they want to buy the app then they are older and can do so. 

In our programming, we do a Launch Pad Unit in Year 8 so Incredibox is used in Year 9 as an extension on the technology used. I have found this to be quite useful as we team it with the Roli pads, Garage Band Samples and of course Launch Pad. 

So what can you do with this app. Well depends on the version and what you want to get out of it. Here is a bit of a break down of what I think each version can bring to the table. Each version has 4 groups and can be used for all sorts of things. 

ALL VERSIONS: 

  • Create Your Own Mix: So this is probably the most obvious one. The students are given a time frame to create their own unique mix. You can put all sorts of perametres on it and give them specific textural rules. 
  • Aural Activity: Notate the patterns of a particular grouping or work out the patterns and select which ones are which. 
  • Drum kit connection: some of these versions have groups where the layers align with the roles of the drum kit. So you could limit them to just one group like Version 1 Melodies and get them to connect the roles of the drum kit – kick drum, back beat, pulse, fill, accents, etc. 
  • Jazz connection: Scat and accents – try to recognise them in Version 2 Effects 3. 
  • ID the Variation:  Some of the patterns have variation within the phrasing which is interesting to identify. For Example Version 2 Melody 3
  • ID the layers in the melodies: Version 2 Melody 4. 
  • ID the chords: Version 2 Voices 3

Here is a couple of patterns that I notated from the Version 2. You can see if the students can find the loop person. For fun, I get them to learn the loops and create their own Incredibox live performance. Some students even dress up like the characters. It’s hysterical.

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Klerrisa Custom Music creates innovative resources that engage my students

Kym Reithmuller
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I have used Klerrisa’s resources for many years and have always found them to be highly beneficial as they work! You can open them up and start teaching knowing that they have been thoroughly prepared and tested in the classroom. Students respond well to them as they experience success and fun whilst learning. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Patrick Honyak - Fairfield High School
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I highly recommend the resource material on the Klerrisa Custom Music website. Both Kerri and Lisa are excellent educationalists, presenters and musically talented professionals.

Dev Gopalasamy - St Ignatius’ College Riverview
PO Box 139
2177 Bonnyrigg NSW, Australia
Phone: 02 9822 1997
Fax: 02 8415 8919