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6th, 7th, 8th Grades  Project 4 weeks

"Sing Your School Spirit!"

Kira A
MU:Cr3.2.7
MU:Cr3.2.8
MU:Cr3.2.6
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage middle school students in a creative and collaborative process to compose a school song that embodies their unique community values and diversity. Through this experience, students will develop musical and language arts skills while fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and school pride. By collaborating with peers and community partners, students will gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ultimately creating a song that strengthens unity and celebrates their school's spirit.

Learning goals

Students will develop songwriting skills by creating a school song that embodies the values and diversity of their school community. They will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through collaborative brainstorming, peer review, and revision processes. Additionally, students will build self-directed learning competencies by utilizing feedback from peers and mentors to refine their compositions, while fostering an academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging through music.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Cr3.2.7 - Present the final version of their personal documented composition, song, or arrangement using craftsmanship and originality to demonstrate unity and variety, and convey expressive intent.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Cr3.2.8 - Present the final version of their documented composition, song, or arrangement, using craftsmanship and originality to demonstrate the application of compositional techniques for creating unity and variety, tension and release, and balance to convey expressive intent.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Cr3.2.6 - Present the final version of their documented personal composition or arrangement, using craftsmanship and originality to demonstrate an effective beginning, middle, and ending, and convey expressive intent.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a school song that embodies the values and diversity of their school community. They will draft, revise, and refine their lyrics and melodies, culminating in a polished composition. By the end of the project, students will produce a final version of their school song, which they will perform at the reflective showcase event, demonstrating their craftsmanship and originality.

Launch

To kick off the school song competition, students will listen to a curated playlist of school songs from various schools, analyzing the lyrics and musical elements that contribute to school pride and unity. This activity will spark discussions on the themes and values that are important to their own school community. Students will then brainstorm initial ideas for their own school song, considering how music can reflect and celebrate the diversity and identity of their school.

Exhibition

Organize a showcase night where students perform their school songs in front of peers, teachers, and community members. Set up a voting system where attendees can vote for their favorite song based on creativity, expression, and reflection of school values. Collaborate with community partners and music professionals to provide feedback and celebrate students' achievements, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the school community.