Abstract:
This unit is designed for fifth grade students. There are seven lessons in this unit. Concept areas of rhythm, melody, form, and timbre are used throughout the unit. Skills developed over the seven lessons are singing, moving, listening, playing instruments, reading/writing music notation, and creating original music. Lesson plans are intended for class periods of approximately 45-50 minutes. Teachers will need to adapt the lessons to fit their school's resources and the particular needs of their students.
The unit focuses on two distinct genres of Cuban music: Son and Danzón. Through a variety of activities, students will learn the distinct sound, form, dance, rhythms, and instrumentation that help define these two genres. Students will also learn about how historical events have shaped Cuban music.
