Students experiment with vocal ensemble groupings to create their own Google Arts and Culture: Blob Opera. Students work individually or collaboratively to create and record their own Blob Opera. Students then explore historical and cultural aspects of music using the Blob Opera “on tour”. Students listen to the various selections of traditional and classic songs in the public domain from each location, and compare and contrast the musical styles using music terminology.

Students use a digital collaboration board to share their “wonderings” about the songs they are listening to in class. The teacher selects 3-4 songs from various cultures. Students add sticky notes to the collaboration board using appropriate music terminology, and share their musical preferences in a respectful manner. Students can have the ability to like or comment on each other’s posts and engage in meaningful conversations in small groups after sharing their wonderings digitally.

Students use appropriate technology to enrich understanding of music, musicians and composers of music literature being studied. Students can create a research product such as write program notes or create a podcast.

Students will use digital  research skills to Find Basic Information (F.B.I.) about a composer.  Through Classic for Kids: Composer Explorer, students will learn about a specific composer, or composers from a specific geographic area, culture, genre, or time period.

This plan provides teachers with the resources to guide students through the analysis of musical time periods which will provide insight into history with a lens through the fine arts.  This analysis helps students make connections with contemporaries and world events, in turn, enabling students to perform music with greater depth and style.

Students will learn about history and music history through listening, analyzing, and performing works in their instrumental class. Students will gain insight into history through a Fine Arts lens, enabling them to make connections with contemporaries and world events. 

In this plan, students will research, discuss, and present ways in which music was used to effect change during various historical periods or events. This particular plan will use the American Civil Rights Movement, South African Apartheid, America’s participation in Vietnam, and current events as examples.