5TH-6TH GRADE GENERAL MUSIC CURRICULUM

 

Each Unit is designed to last between 1 and 2 weeks of instruction depending on scheduling.

Weekly Topics / Lessons:

 

Listening Journals / History: Igor Stravinsky, Miles Davis, Elvis Presely, Jill Scott, Gustav Mahler, Ella Fitzgerald

 

Lesson 1:

1) Rhythm Unit

1) Students will create rhythmic ostinatos using rhythm schemes, a non standard form of rhythmic notation.

2) Students will perform rhythm schemes that were created as a group using body percussion.

3) Students will create and perform rhythm schemes using instruments.

4) Students will use technology to record their groups compositions.

5) Students will use an online drum machine to create and recreate their own drum accompaniments.

1) This will be similar to using the rhythm schemes.

6) Students will transition from rhythm schemes to standard rhythmic notation.

7) Students will read a create accompaniment to music using standard rhythmic notation.

 

Lesson 2:

1) Melody Unit

1) Students will learn about note reading in the treble clef.

2) Students will create and compose original melodies.

3) Students will perform songs as a class using different instruments.

Lesson 3:

1)  Patriotic Unit: Star Spangled Banner

1) Students will learn the lyrics to and sing the "Star Spangled Banner"

2) Students will learn the history behind the SSB and the actions led to its composition.

3) Students will analyze the score to the SSB.

 

Lesson 4:

1) Musical Unit

 

5th Grade - Oliver

6th Grade - Music Man

7th Grade - Into the Woods

8th Grade - West Side Story

 

1) Students will identify elements of a musical.

2) Students will identify themes both literal and musical throughout the musical.

3) Students will compare and contrast: musical / opera / play / ballet.

4) Students will do an extended lesson on the musical their class watched.

 

Lesson 5:

1)  Music History Unit

1) Students will learn about the history of Jazz

2) Students will choose an composer or artist from the Jazz Era to write a short paper on.

3) Students will present their findings to the class.