Middle School Lesson 39 (2021)
Teaching Procedures
Option 1: Video - The Composer Is Dead
Option 1: Video - The Composer Is Dead
Option 1: Video - The Composer is Dead (30 min)
This is a Safeshare link.
If the Safeshare link doesn't work, search internet for "The Composer is Dead".
The book was commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony and premiered at Davies Symphony Hall on July 8, 2006, with Daniel Handler narrating and Edwin Outwater conducting. The orchestral work has since been performed at several other orchestras. The book was written in order to introduce children to the different instruments.
Option 2: Games. Trivia Wheel - Instruments
Option 2: Games. Trivia Wheel - Instruments
Divide the class into 2 teams and play the game.
Orchestra Instruments Bingo
Orchestra Instruments Bingo
Divide the class into 2 teams and play the game.
Try several different bingo variations.
Trivia Wheel - Choose a Game
Trivia Wheel - Choose a Game
Follow the link to the Trivia Wheel interactive home page.
Choose any of the games to play.
Play Note Name Memory
Play Note Name Memory
Play all 3 levels!
Pop Quiz Bass Clef
Pop Quiz Bass Clef
Try something new!
Practice naming bass clef notes.
Play the Major Minor Game
Play the Major Minor Game
Melt the snowman with every correct answer.
Free Play
Free Play
Fill 4 tubs or hoops with instruments and enjoy playing along with music.
If students are open to it, have a free dance time too!
The song "Come on Dance" follows to get your students creating movement!
Create Your Own Moves to "Come on Dance"
Create Your Own Moves to "Come on Dance"
Now it's your turn!
Create moves to the song, and when you like, pass it on.
Sing "A Pizza Hut"
Sing "A Pizza Hut"
Listen to part of the song.
Play the video again and sing along.
If you need to review the movements, go to the song in the song list and watch the Kids Demo video.
Review "Plainsies, Clapsies"
Review "Plainsies, Clapsies"
Read the rhythms and the solfa or pitch letter names.
Copy the Movements for "We Come from Pluto"
Copy the Movements for "We Come from Pluto"
Sing along with the students in the video and copy their movements.
Review the Song "Chester"
Review the Song "Chester"
Review the song "Chester".
Read the rhythms in the song.
Review the Song "Black Snake"
Review the Song "Black Snake"
Review the song.
Read the rhythms and the solfa or pitch letter names.
Game Directions: Use different dynamics to help your friend find the snake. Buy a rubber snake at a dollar store. Choose one student to hide the snake somewhere in the classroom in plain sight, not under something. A second student is chosen to hunt for the snake. The class guides the 'finder' to the snake by singing softly when the 'finder' is far away from the snake and louder when getting closer to it. Remind students to sing with beautiful tone at all dynamic levels.
Sing and Move to the Song "Topnotcher"
Sing and Move to the Song "Topnotcher"
Sing and create your own movements with the lyrics video.
- or -
Go the next activity to view the Kids Demo video.
Move to the Song "My Bonnie"
Sing and Do the Actions for the Song "My Hat"
Sing and Do the Actions for the Song "My Hat"
Watch the video and do the actions with the students.
For a challenge, you can repeat the song with the same actions and not say specific word. For example...
1st time: You repeat the verse but don't say "my", just point to yourself.
2nd time: You repeat the verse but don't say "hat", just show the "hat".
3rd time: You repeat the verse but don't say "three", just put up three fingers.
4th time: You repeat the verse and leave out "corners", just point to your elbows.