You will need blank paper and white boards (both left on the counter by the microwave). Start with this brief introduction...
Many composers have captured the mischievous characters of practical jokers, clowns, and comedians through music. Ask students to turn and talk for 3 minutes. Use the timer provided. Think of a few silly, funny or mischievous characters in books or movies. Can you name them?
Be ready to share them with your classmates.
Next, you are going to listen to a few pieces of music by different composers. Draw a picture of what you visualize (see in your mind) when you are listening.
Ask the students to come up a few at a time to get a white board and 2 pieces of paper. After all students have the necessary materials you may place a bin of crayons (also on the counter) in each of the 4 corners of the carpeted area of the room. Id a student asks for a pencil they may use one from the striped pail on the counter. The students will need to share these. You may not get to all 3 pieces of music in this session.
Composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote this music to sound like clowns. As you listen, imagine what the clowns might be doing. You will LISTEN only for the first playing of this piece and then will be able to draw afterwards. Please remember that we listen with our ears and eyes, but our mouths and bodies are still.
Repeat this piece of music several times, allowing the students to draw for about 8-10 minutes...
The famous writer William Shakespeare wrote about a character named Puck, who loved to play practical jokes. Composer Edvard Grieg wrote a piece for the piano about Puck. Listen to that piece about Puck and draw a picture of what you think Puck would look like. You will LISTEN only for the first playing of this piece and then will be able to draw afterwards. Please remember that we listen with our ears and eyes, but our mouths and bodies are still.
Repeat this piece of music several times, allowing the students to draw for about 8-10 minutes...
. Composer Igor Stravinsky wrote some piano music about another silly character: a puppet named Petrushka. Draw a picture of what you think the puppet Petrushka might look like. You will LISTEN only for the first playing of this piece and then will be able to draw afterwards. Please remember that we listen with our ears and eyes, but our mouths and bodies are still.
Repeat this piece of music several times, allowing the students to draw for about 8-10 minutes...
If there is still time discuss the following: Do you think Petrushka is like Puck? How does their music sound the same? How does it sound different?