## Lesson Plan: Ensemble and Solo Performance
### Grade Level:
7th Grade
### Subject:
Music
### Duration:
60 minutes
### Topic:
Ensemble and Solo Performance
### Objectives:
- Students will understand the differences between ensemble and solo performances.
- Students will develop skills in both collaborative and independent music-making.
- Students will analyze and appreciate the roles and responsibilities of both soloists and ensemble members.
- Students will perform in both ensemble and solo settings.
### Materials Needed:
- Musical instruments (e.g., keyboards, guitars, drums, recorders, etc.)
- Sheet music for both ensemble and solo pieces
- Audio playback device (e.g., speakers, CD player)
- Examples of ensemble and solo performances (audio or video recordings)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Notebooks and pens/pencils
### Standards:
- National Core Arts Standards (MU:Pr4.2.7a, MU:Re7.2.7a, MU:Cn11.0.7a)
### Lesson Structure:
#### Introduction (10 minutes):
1. **Greeting and Attendance (2 minutes):**
- Welcome students and take attendance.
2. **Introduction to Topic (3 minutes):**
- Briefly introduce the concepts of ensemble and solo performances.
- Define key terms such as "ensemble," "solo," "harmony," "melody," etc.
3. **Objective Overview (5 minutes):**
- Explain what students will learn and do in the lesson.
- Discuss the significance of ensemble and solo performances in music.
#### Activity 1: Listening and Analysis (15 minutes):
1. **Listening Session (7 minutes):**
- Play an example of an ensemble performance (e.g., a string quartet, band).
- Play an example of a solo performance (e.g., a violin solo, a singer).
2. **Discussion and Analysis (8 minutes):**
- Ask students to identify and discuss differences between ensemble and solo performances.
- Write key points on the whiteboard.
- Discuss the roles and responsibilities of individuals in each setting.
#### Activity 2: Group Practice (15 minutes):
1. **Forming Groups (3 minutes):**
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. **Ensemble Practice (10 minutes):**
- Provide sheet music for a simple ensemble piece.
- Each group practices their piece, focusing on listening to each other and playing cohesively.
- Teacher circulates, providing guidance and feedback.
3. **Group Reflection (2 minutes):**
- Briefly ask groups to reflect on their practice and share insights.
#### Activity 3: Solo Practice (10 minutes):
1. **Individual Practice (5 minutes):**
- Provide sheet music for a chosen solo piece.
- Each student practices their solo piece independently.
2. **Partner Feedback (5 minutes):**
- Pair students up to practice performing their solo pieces for each other.
- Encourage constructive feedback focusing on areas such as technique, expression, and confidence.
#### Performance and Reflection (15 minutes):
1. **Class Performances (10 minutes):**
- Select a few students or groups to perform their ensemble or solo pieces for the class.
- Encourage audience members to provide positive and constructive feedback.
2. **Class Discussion (5 minutes):**
- Reflect on the experiences of performing as a soloist versus as part of an ensemble.
- Discuss the challenges and rewards of each type of performance.
### Assessment:
- Informal observation of group and solo practices.
- Participation in discussions and reflections.
- Performance quality during class sharing session.
### Closure (5 minutes):
1. **Recap and Review:**
- Summarize key points learned in the lesson.
- Highlight the importance of balance between ensemble collaboration and solo independence.
2. **Homework/Next Steps:**
- Assign students to reflect in their notebooks about their preferred performance setting and why.
- Encourage students to practice both ensemble and solo pieces at home.
3. **Goodbye:**
- Thank students for their participation and engagement.
### Extensions:
- Plan a recital where students can showcase their ensemble and solo pieces.
- Incorporate technology by having students use apps to record and critique their performances.
- Explore different genres and styles of ensemble and solo performances.
This lesson plan aligns music goals and activities with national standards, catering to the developmental level of 7th-grade students, and providing a balanced approach to learning through listening, practice, and performance.