Lessons Five and Six: Student Arrangements

Have students form small groups to create and perform their own arrangements of the same piece of music. Perhaps they could begin with a simple composition with which they are all familiar.

•explore, develop and convey their ideas through music

Ask students to think about ways in which they could present a particular style through their arrangements. Encourage students to explore and define the musical characteristics of the style they choose before they begin their arrangements. For example, some students may choose a jazz style, others may choose a pop or alternative style, and others might choose gospel or country and western.

•demonstrate ability to use ongoing reflection and critical analysis to clarify musical intentions, and consider how the music might be interpreted

•analyse and evaluate what is heard (CEL: CCT)

Ask students to analyse the various student arrangements that were presented. They should jot down in their music journals reflective thoughts in response to questions such as the following: What characteristics were unique about each arrangement? How were the music elements and principles of composition used? What were the different challenges that each group had to overcome? What might the group do differently next time?

In preparation for Lesson Seven, ask students to name some popular musicians, composers and groups that have a distinctive style or present a unique vision of the world through their music. Have the students break into four or five groups, and have each group select one music example to bring in for discussion. Remind students to choose a selection that has lyrics that are appropriate for a school setting. Tell them to try to pick one particular piece that is an exemplar of that artist's work.