Cups

(When Im Gone)
Analysis workbook

Name:

_________________________

Class: _________________________

The History of Cups

Its a craze that has swept over schools everywhere and contrary to popular belief, the Cup Song was not
created for the movie Pitch Perfect. Both the song and game that accompanies it have been around for
years and their history is an interesting one.
The song When Im Gone was originally written and recorded by country music group The Carter
Family in 1931. The Mainers Mountaineers later recorded their own version of the song in 1937 and at
this time it was a stand-alone song, with no cup-based rhythmic accompaniment.
The cup routine is attributed to performer Rich Mullins and it started life as a rhythmic accompaniment
for his 1987 song Screen Door. In 2009 the band Lulu and the Lampshades uploaded a YouTube
performance of pairing the cup routine with When Im Gone. Anna Kendrik (Actor of Bella in Pitch
Perfect) is reported to have seen that video and spent an afternoon learning the routine. When the
producers of the movie discovered that she could knew the song, they decided to include it in the movie.

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In this unit of work you will explore and analyze different arrangements of the Cups song and discover
what makes each arrangement unique. You will have the opportunity to compose your own Cups
rhythmic composition while also engaging in activities which will improve your musical literacy skills.
This booklet contains 3 tasks. The marks are allocated as below:

Task 1
Analysis
Comparison
Task 2
Analysis
worksheet
Task 3
Ostinato
composition
Overall Feedback:

Marking Break Down

/24

Comments:

/24

Comments:

/22

Comments:

Final Grade:

/70

Task One Analysis Comparison of Cups

1. Listen to the different arrangements of Cups from Pitch Perfect 1 and 2 and fill in the table below.

(12 Marks)

Pitch Perfect 1

Pitch Perfect 2 Campfire Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_vTG9v_Fdk

Time Signature:

Time Signature:

Tempo:

Tempo:

Instrumentation:

Instrumentation:

Texture:

Texture:

Structure:

Structure:

Other musical features:

Other musical features:

2. Using the information in the table above, describe 3 similarities between the two arrangements of Cups.

(6 Marks)

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3. Using the information in the table above, describe 3 differences between the two arrangements of Cups.
(6 Marks)
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Task Two Analysis Worksheet

Refer to the score of Cups Campfire Version and answer the questions below.
1. How many voices is this piece arranged for?______________________________________

(1 mark)

2. Name the key of the piece and write its major scale ascending and descending using minims on the stave
below:
Key:________________
(4 marks)

3. This piece contains a number of different sections. Write the bar numbers for the sections below and label
them in your score.
(4 marks)
Verse 1:____________________
Verse 2: ___________________
Chorus (1) : _________________
Chorus (2): _________________
4. Translate the Italian terms found in Cups and circle an example of each in the score.
(6 marks)
a) Piano = ______________________
d) forte = _______________________
b) Mezzo piano = _________________
e) poco rit. =_____________________
c) Mezzo forte = _________________
f) dolce = _______________________

5. Describe what happens at bar 17. Comment on the tempo, texture, style, rhythm, and melody.

(5 marks)

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8. Name the chords marked i, ii, iii, and iv in the score. Rewrite the chords on the stave below and label them using
modern chord terminology.
(4 marks)

E.g. F
Extension/Bonus Question:

(5 marks)

This piece uses chord progressions based on the chords C, F, Am, and G. Some of the chords symbols on the score
have been left out and replaced with a blank square. Complete the chord progressions on the score by filling in
the blank squares with the correct chord symbol.

Task Three Ostinato Composition Activity

1. What is an ostinato? _________________________________________________________
(1 mark)
2. How many beats long is the rhythmic ostinato in Cups? _____________________________
(1 mark)
3. Dictate the rhythmic ostinato of Cups by filling in the blank spaces below:

(5 marks)

4
4
4. Compose your own 2 bar rhythmic ostinato pattern to accompany either Happy by Pharrell Williams
or Shake it Off by Taylor Swift.
(15 marks)
Write your composition in the space below.
You must include a time signature, bar lines, and include the correct amount of beats per bar.
Use only the rhythmic values used in question 3,
You may only use body percussion and cups to perform your ostinato
Record a 30 second video of you performing your ostinato to your chosen song and upload/email
to the teacher.
You will be assessed on creativity, suitability of your ostinato, and the performance of your
ostinato.

Ostinato Composition
Chosen Song: _________________________________________