High School Grade  Project 5 weeks

Strum for Change: Guitars with a Message

Carlos B
Updated
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
1-pager

Purpose

Create a pair of uniquely styled guitars featuring political artwork that address pressing social issues. By collaborating with local experts and artists, deepen your understanding of craftsmanship, civic engagement, and the fusion of music and art to convey powerful messages. Throughout this process, develop critical thinking skills and innovative approaches to tackle complex societal questions important to your community.

Learning goals

Your learning goals for this project include developing critical skills in guitar construction and customization by collaborating with local experts. You'll explore artistic techniques to translate complex, socially aware messages into visual art on guitars, embedding political awareness and craftsmanship into your work. Additionally, you'll engage in practical problem-solving, reflecting on civic engagement and personal growth, while enhancing your ability to create music that resonates with your values and those of your community.

Competencies
  • 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

Create a pair of artistically customized guitars with embedded political artwork that reflect and communicate pressing social issues. Throughout the project, document your learning process and artistic journey through a zine, capturing reflections, design iterations, and community involvement. The final event will showcase the guitars during a live performance, connecting the audience with your artistic expression and civic engagement themes.

Launch

Kick off your project with an 'Artistic Soundtrack Jam Session' by inviting peers, educators, and community members to bring various instruments or unique objects to create music on the spot. Use this opportunity to reflect on pressing social issues that resonate personally or with your community. Share your vision for the project and how you aim to blend music with political art, sparking discussion and inspiration among participants.

Exhibition

Curate the 'Harmony in Activism Expo,' where you will present your uniquely styled guitars adorned with political artwork. Collaborate with art students who contribute additional pieces exploring themes of civic engagement, creating a multidisciplinary showcase. Highlight the craftsmanship journey and engage attendees with live performances, demonstrating how music and art can convey powerful social messages. Include interactive sessions where visitors can discuss the impact of the artwork, offer feedback, and explore the interdisciplinary connections you've utilized throughout the project.