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Lesson 8

We create a soundtrack to a story inspired by the Baroque period

1
talk about music
whole class
2
play music
in groups
3
play as an orchestra
whole class

Preparation

Additional materials:

  • Printout M11

Activity 1

Talk about music
Whole class
10 min.
Percussion instruments (e.g. Orff instruments)

Hand out different types of percussion instruments (e.g. Orff instruments). If possible, there should be enough instruments so that each pupil gets one. 

Remind children about the start and stop signal.

Teacher:

"During the last lesson, we all had a go at playing different percussion instruments. Let’s now gather ideas about the different playing techniques which can be used to create different sounds? Let’s try to find at least 2 different ways of playing for each instrument."

Activity 2

Play music
In groups
20 min.
Percussion instruments (e.g. Orff instruments)
M11 printout

Soundtrack pictures (to show to the class first)

Teacher:

"Do you remember the story inspired by the Baroque period? We are now going to create a soundtrack to the story. Using the different playing techniques on our percussion instruments, we are going to create sounds to illustrate specific pictures and words."

With the class, discuss some examples by asking: "For instance, what sounds do you think would represent stomping, or a car speeding, or a butterfly flying around?"

M11: Soundtrack pictures (distribute 1 picture to each child - note that more than one pupil might end up with the same picture)

Divide the class in groups of 4. Each group is given some percussion instruments.

Teacher:

"In your group, look at the images you have been given and try to create sounds to match the pictures and words. Decide which percussion instrument and which playing technique would be best to use. Practice producing the sounds in your group so that everyone can play the soundtrack to the picture/word they’ve been given."

Activity 3

Play as an orchestra
Whole class
15 min.
Percussion instruments (e.g. Orff instruments)

Teacher:

"I’ll now read the story inspired by the Baroque period again. When you hear me saying the word depicted on your soundtrack picture, start playing your matching sounds."

Read the story and stop everytime a word comes up so that the children can play their sounds. Note that several children might be playing at the same time.

[Sound] story inspired by the Baroque period - 17th & 18th centuries

It was a beautiful day during the Baroque period. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. For the first time, Mary was invited to a big party at a magnificent castle. She was so happy that she couldn’t stand still! She kept jumping around with excitement. Mary only ever saw a castle from afar before, and she had heard all about their magnificent columns and ornaments. 

Which picture do you think fits the Baroque period best? (line 1)

In the evening, Mary and her mother set off for the castle by Horse and Carriage. When they arrived, they had to go up a long flight of stairs before reaching the large ballroom. Mary was amazed at all the women wearing magnificent dresses with frills and bows.  

Which picture do you think fits the Baroque period best? (line 2)

There was beautiful music too of course. Musicians played their harps, cellos and lutes. Their sounds reminded Mary of the crackling of the open fire in winter. It was beautiful and full of emotions. 

Which picture do you think fits the Baroque period best? (line 3)

At the centre of the ballroom, people danced happily, spinning around to the beat of the music. Dresses rustled like leaves in the wind. Mary danced too and felt a bit dizzy from all the spinning around. She went outside to get some fresh air. The warm wind blew around her. Mary strolled around the gardens with its many flower beds and small fountains. She admired the plants and heard frogs croaking in the distance. 

Which picture do you think fits the Baroque period best? (line 4)

The party carried on all night. Mary was a bit tired and yawned loudly. People loved the music and the food. At the end of the night, everyone applauded! People talked about this enchanting party for a long time… 

Bold - words which can be illustrated with sounds

Optional

To extend the activity, you can repeat each word and ask students to produce their matching sound. With the whole class, discuss what instruments and playing techniques worked well.

If there's still time...

… repeat the ‘Let’s change, little tree’ game from lesson 7 (activity 2).

… children can carry on decorating their Z-fold.

… ask pupils to reflect on what they have learned: What did you particularly enjoy about this musical project? What did you find difficult? What did you learn? What string instruments do you know? How can the violin be played? What tempos can you remember? 

Skills learned in this lesson:

Students...

… become more familiar with different playing techniques on percussion instruments. 
… use percussion instruments to translate words and images into sound.
… create a soundtrack to a story inspired by the Baroque period.