Exploring Performing Folk Music From A Variety Of Cultures

Procedure

1) Select folk music from 2-3 different cultures with at least one in a foreign language (or with foreign language origins for instrumental pieces) to explore and perform.

2) Teacher and/or students find resources that have music examples and information on the culture chosen.

3) Students are divided into groups to research the following about the musical pieces:
- Geographic information: What country? Location? Size? Unique elements?
- Cultures: What are some of the features that define this culture? Is this culture found in other places? What are some of the musical traditions of this culture?
- Function of Music: What function does the piece have within the culture? (secular, religious, entertainment, political, etc.) Is there anything comparable in our culture? When and where was this piece performed? What are the musical characteristics?
- Instruments: What instruments are used? Which are unique to that culture?
- Historical Elements: What are the historical influences? What is the history of the piece?

4) Students present the information from their research to the class.

Standards Code

Cn11.1.7a
Cn11.1.7b
Cn11.1.8a
Cn11.1.8b
Cn11.1.E.8a
Cn11.1.H.8b

Suggested Assessment

Using a rubric, teacher will assess student presentations.

Following performance of pieces, students are asked to reflect on how learning the cultural background of each piece informed the way they performed them.

Enduring Understanding

Creating, performing, and analyzing music deepens our knowledge of ideas, informs our understanding of cultures, and helps us envision the future.

Essential Question

How does music help us understand the lives of people of different times, places, and cultures?
How does music help preserve personal and cultural insights and values?