Hopewell Jr. High Music
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GENERAL MUSIC

creativity + exploration + technology + culture

General Music: Grades 5-8


In Tune Monthly Magazine: ​https://www.lscpagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=53418&l=1

Units and Projects

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African Drumming Unit
In this unit, students use djembes, conga drums, shekeres, cowbells, and other authentic African instruments to learn the concepts of rhythm, listening, non-verbal communication, improvisation, cooperative teamwork, and constructive criticism. We also explore the geography and peoples of Africa to understand the relationship of music to culture.

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Techno Song Project (GarageBand)
For this project, students use the GarageBand app on the iPad to create their own Techno Song. They implement the ideas of instrument selection, complementary parts, looping, sampling, and song form. The creative process is also stressed, using peer feedback and critique to make multiple revisions of their work.

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What's Opera, Doc?
The wide world of Opera is explored in this unit. Students get a better understanding of the history of opera, how to read a libretto, opera singers and their vocal types, and the technical behind-the-scenes work like stage design, costuming, and pit orchestras. We round of the unit by watching Giuseppe Verdi's "Otello," which is based on the play by William Shakespeare.

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American Musical Theatre
When it comes to American musicals, the work of Stephen Sondheim has become an important influence in their development. Students learn about Sondheim's upbringing and his contribution to works like West Side Story and Into the Woods. We watch and analyze one of these musicals based on student interest.

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Pop Song Project (GarageBand)
For this project, we once again bring out the iPads to create an original Pop Song. Students select instruments based on their preferred style of music, write and record their own lyrics, and use some of the more advanced features on GarageBand to produce their work.

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American Music from Rag to Rap
The history of the United States of America is relatively short compared to the rest of the world; however, American music has been a major influence on culture everywhere. Students will follow the evolution of American music from ragtime through jazz, country, blue, rock and roll, and even hip-hop. In the process, students will even write their own Blues Song using GarageBand, learning about chords, 12-bar blues, and the standard form of blues lyrics.

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Movie Music Project (GarageBand, iMovie)
Very few movies have been successful without the incorporation of music into their production. Even the old silent movies had live piano players accompanying the reels in theaters. Students will use iMovie in conjunction with GarageBand to compose music to a short film of their choosing. In the process, they will explore how music enhances the emotions felt by the audience.

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  • Home
  • Band
  • Chorus
  • General Music
  • Jr. High Musical
  • About the Teacher
  • Links