 | Wyclef Jean
for VH1 Storytellers A VH1 Save The Music Special
VH1 Music Studio Cable in the Classroom
Lessons for High School School Music Classes
Lesson 1 of 4 |
(Note to teachers: Please view this videotape for appropriateness for your classes. Some of the lyrics have sexual innuendo and others mention a violent end to the life of a drug dealer.)
Objectives Students will identify and describe the elements of music and techniques they hear in performances in different styles. National Standards: Content Standard 6--Listening to, analyzing, and describing music: Students analyze aural examples of a varied repertoire of music, representing diverse genres and cultures, by describing the uses of elements of music and expressive devises.
Materials
- Videotape of VH1 Storytellers Wyclef Jean
- Television and VCR
- Several four-beat flash cards for each set of two students (rhythms on the flash cards include rhythms present in the familiar song selected for the lesson).
- Worksheet printed out from the end of this lesson
- Recorded examples of two or three guitar styles unfamiliar to students, from, for example,
The Guitar Player Presents: Legends of Guitar (Rhino R270563), which includes two volumes
for most styles: classical (one volume), jazz, electric blues, country, surf (one volume), 50s rock,
60s rock, 70s rock - Audio-playback equipment
Prior Knowledge and Experience
Students have listened to many guitar recordings in different styles.
Procedures
- Have students view and listen to the first segment of the video Wyclef Jean: Storytellers. Wyclef performs a classical guitar riff and then segues into a ballad "Gone Till November."
- Have students listen and watch for techniques used on each piece. Then distribute the worksheet, and using the listening as a point of reference, review the elements of music and the guitar techniques listed on the worksheet
- Have students view the tape segment again. Have them write terms (not sentence) that identify the unique features of the music; that is, uses of elements of music and guitar techniques. Discuss and replay as necessary.
- Play one or two additional selections from the recordings suggested in Materials or recordings in your school's library. Have students listen to them and analyze them as in step 3.
- Have students, using their individual handouts, summarize the similarities and differences between the styles they have heard.
Indicators of Success Students accurately analyze and describe the musical elements and techniques in guitar performances. Follow-up Have students identify the use of different techniques and of elements of music in the career development of a particular guitarist. Have students listen to performances on guitar (and on related string instruments) from different classical periods and styles. Ask them to analyze and identify what they hear. Guitar Listening Worksheet
1st example 2nd example 3rd example Expression accurate tempo appropriate dynamics correct phrasing consistency of all of the above Technical accurate pitch accurate rhythm "clean," coordinated finger work correct hand and body position consistency of all of the above Nonmusical stage presence (if applicable This lesson is adapted from Strategies for Teaching Middle-Level and High School Guitar,
Compiled and Edited by William E. Purse, James L. Jordan, and Nancy Marsters (MENC, 1998).
VH1, in partnership with Cable in the Classroom, collaborated with
MENC: The National Association for Music Education to develop this series of lessons.
National Standards for Music Education
- Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
- Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
- Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
- Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
- Reading and notating music.
- Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
- Evaluating music and music performances.
- Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
- Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
2/2000
Storytellers/Wycleff
Lesson 1 |
