Read and practice syncopated rhythms.

Do you know what song this is from?

Creative Ideas: Invite the students to improvise melodies between the verses.

Teach "Ghost of Tom" by rote.
Alternate words if you don't want to sing "ghost" - Have you seen the skeleton? Long white bones with the flesh all gone.
Ooo ooo ooo ooo. Wouldn't it be chilly with no skin on.

Watch the kids demo and try the movements to "Ghost of Tom"

Try singing the song and doing the movements.

Optional: Play guitar or ukulele with "Ghost of Tom"

(Play along videos are available under the Instruments section. Search for Ghost of Tom and you'll see one under Guitar, one under Ukulele in C, and one under Ukulele in D.)

Ghost of Tom is in a minor key.

Some people think that music in a major key sounds happy, and music in a minor key sounds sad.

Play the 'Major or Minor' game. Try both Level 1 and Level 2.

When you get an answer right, you'll melt the snowman.

The next four procedures are all related and will be discussing the form Theme & Variations.

"Theme and Variations" is a form in music. It starts with a "theme". This theme can be short or long but usually it's easy to remember.

Can you sing the first part of the theme? Can you play along with this theme?

Discuss the piece. Is it fast or slow? (moderately slow) Is it loud or quiet? (mezzo forte - mezzo piano)

Play along with Variation 4.

About the form: Once the theme is introduced, the composer plays it again but with a twist, like changing the melody or rhythm – this is known as "Variation 1." Then, they play the theme once more, but this time, they give it a different twist, making "Variation 2."

This is Variation 4. Is it fast or slow? (slow) What instruments did you hear? (flute and piano)

How was it different from the theme? (minor, slower, embellished it with more notes, trills)

Play along with Variation 6.

This is Variation 6. Is it fast or slow? (faster)

How was it different from the theme? (faster, many more notes)

Have students complete this worksheet as they listen and discuss the Theme & Variations.

Ways to vary a theme: tempo, rhythm, key signature, dynamics, melody, time signature.