West Essex Middle School Music Class Students Create Routines with Cups

As seen in the film "Pitch Perfect," students in West Essex Middle School Teacher Ms. Donna Mateyka's Music 8 Exploratory Class participated in a Cup Song Project.

The students created routines with cups, creating rhythmic routines in small groups. The students then performed the routines for each other after several days of practice.  Some students sang or spoke lyrics with the routines.

 Ms. Mateyka said she asked students to combine several components: rhythm, rhythmic layering, original lyrics/spoken or sung, cup creativity and an introduction and an ending. Groups were encouraged to use as many musical notes, rhythmic layering, words and lyrics and creativity as possible.

Many students said they found the Cup Song Project challenging. "I like to create rhythms with the cups," said Sophie Moyer of North Caldwell. "It is much more fun than doing it with just my hands."

Group member Alyssa Gossett of Roseland agreed. "I learned how to make my own rhythm and match it with lyrics."

Ms. Mateyka said many of the students saw the film "Pitch Perfect," and enjoyed the cup songs in the film. So she decided to add it as a fun activity for her students in her Music 8 Exploratory Class so they could create cup songs of their own.