Entry 2: Learning Differences
A music educator should understand the differences in individual students, their cultures, and communities to create inclusive learning experiences, enabling students to meet rigorous standards. In alignment with my philosophy of education, the purpose of music education is to develop cultured and contributing members of our future society. By utilizing world music and interdisciplinary methods (social studies and reading especially), my students begin to learn about ways of life different than their own. I believe students benefit most from these experiences while they are in school so long as the environment is right for them to do so. With the right preparation, students should feel free to explore their deepest inquiries and discover new concepts. The goal is for students to gain an understanding of cultural and community differences now, so they can identify and work alongside them in their future endeavors.
Artifact one is a lesson for high school wind ensemble, however, it could be adjusted to fit any group. Students began reading Celtic Air and Dance by Michael Sweeney. This piece has several sections of Celtic folksongs, entirely new to the ensemble. In this lesson plan, you will find listening examples of their traditional performances as well as the lyrics to present to students. After each section, I encouraged discussion about new knowledge, remaining questions, musical expression, and connections made.
Artifact two is based on Haja, a book by Julia Jordan Kamanda featuring a bird from Sierra Leone, Africa. Within the book are cues for a djembe drum to accompany storytelling. When introducing this story, a presentation is done for students to become familiar with the setting, culture, and purpose of music in Sierra Leone. After the lesson activities, I found students retained the most of their new knowledge with probing questions such as the following: What did Haja learn? Who has a heartbeat? Where does Haja live? What is it like there? What is the Djembe drum used for?
The last artifact would accompany a lesson plan similar to the Haja story. This slideshow presentation introduces a story also by Julia Jordan Kamanda, called Siku’s Song. This introductory presentation includes photos of the setting (Andes Mountains), local people and animals (which also introduces the book's characters), the location of Peru on a map, as well as musical examples from the region. You can click on the images in slides 7 and 8 to see the video performances.
Artifact one is a lesson for high school wind ensemble, however, it could be adjusted to fit any group. Students began reading Celtic Air and Dance by Michael Sweeney. This piece has several sections of Celtic folksongs, entirely new to the ensemble. In this lesson plan, you will find listening examples of their traditional performances as well as the lyrics to present to students. After each section, I encouraged discussion about new knowledge, remaining questions, musical expression, and connections made.
Artifact two is based on Haja, a book by Julia Jordan Kamanda featuring a bird from Sierra Leone, Africa. Within the book are cues for a djembe drum to accompany storytelling. When introducing this story, a presentation is done for students to become familiar with the setting, culture, and purpose of music in Sierra Leone. After the lesson activities, I found students retained the most of their new knowledge with probing questions such as the following: What did Haja learn? Who has a heartbeat? Where does Haja live? What is it like there? What is the Djembe drum used for?
The last artifact would accompany a lesson plan similar to the Haja story. This slideshow presentation introduces a story also by Julia Jordan Kamanda, called Siku’s Song. This introductory presentation includes photos of the setting (Andes Mountains), local people and animals (which also introduces the book's characters), the location of Peru on a map, as well as musical examples from the region. You can click on the images in slides 7 and 8 to see the video performances.
CelticAirAndDance.pdf | |
File Size: | 62 kb |
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Haja.pdf | |
File Size: | 42 kb |
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