Stephen Brandt 10/10/10 Lesson Plan: Sacred Heart School K-8 Mrs, Lisa Tekippe Rockin Around the

Christmas Tree Swing Lesson OVERVIEW In this lesson I will teach a section of the piece, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree to the 7/8th Grade show choir. I will include history behind the origin of swing music and how it is important to the music we listen to today. PREPARATION I have a copy of the sheet music and decided to teach measure 54 to the end of the piece. It starts with singing on the word WAH which is supposed to mimic the brass in a swinging big band. This is a great starting spot because at this point I can incorporate the music history lesson into teaching the notes of the song. HISTORY Swing music first developed in the 1930s. It was slow to take off because of the onset of the Great Depression. Once the USA regained enough public resources to broadcast some music reflecting the newest craze, it took off like a wild fire. Until this point in music history orchestral music was mainstream and all the focus was on classical high sophisticated music. Once people heard swing, they realized that music had other possibilities. Dancing was a huge part of the success of swing music. People were encouraged to move during a performance rather than just sitting and listening to the music. If the performers can move and improvise, why cant the audience members? PLAN OF ACTION Measure 54 teach notes and rhythms. Ask why the WAH for the lyrics. Compare it to Brass with a swing band performance Measure 62 You will get a sentimental Teach the 2 parts with Soprano & Alto Measure 71 Explain eighth note swinging pattern. Compare swung eighth notes to the triplet feel. Incorporate the sung eighth notes into the TA TI TI rhythm teaching system

Stephen Brandt 10/10/10 Compare the left hand piano part to that of a common string instrument line walking bass line and explain why it is important Compare this section of the song to todays music Have them sing from measure 54 to the end while moving to the music like people wouldve in the 1930s What sort of dance moves does this type of music lend itself to? Would they have enjoyed living in the 1930s-1940s when this was the popular music to listen to on the radio? Sing it again with all this in mind REFLECTION What went well? What could I improve on? How did the students respond to ______? Did they understand the history of swing? Did the lesson improve their understanding of the song in context of the time period? What would I change if I taught the lesson again?