African Songs introduces a range of action and sociable songs from West Africa and the Caribbean . Although intended as part of the linked set of resources contributing to a one year programme of study to support Wider Opportunities, the materials may be used independently.
Children should be encouraged to accompany songs using African and classroom percussion, incorporating instrumental techniques and rhythm patterns learned over the course of the unit of work.
Drum Beats is part of a linked set of video resources contributing to a one year programme of study to support the Wider Opportunities initiative at KS2.
The complete resource comprises the following sections:
* Drum Beats
* Drum Language
* African Songs
* African stories
* Exploring percussion
Children learn to play African Djembes and a range of African and classroom percussion instruments within a class performance group. They create and perform rhythmic and melodic material and develop their musical skills. They go on to practise and rehearse African rhythmic cycles and songs as a musical ensemble. They perform their music at the end of the unit as a class as an accompaniment to African story telling and dance.
The unit is taught through an agreed number of school-based and live video workshop sessions supported by extensive video instructional materials delivered via a broadband connection or CD-Rom.
Where Drum Beats fits in
The complete unit of work is linked to units 8 and 15 ‘ Ongoing Skills' in the music scheme of work through reinforcing singing and other key musical skills (listening skills, aural memory and movement). It provides children with an opportunity to take part in a class performance with confidence, expression and control, possibly replacing Unit 11 ‘The Class Orchestra'.
Importantly, it prepares children for Unit 16 ( Cyclic patterns ) by introducing some basic rhythmic devices used in various drumming traditions, and by encouraging children to learn, perform and invent their own cyclic patterns.
Unit design: Zozo Shuiabu and Kevin Hamel
Performers: Zozo Shuiabu and Sam Maitland
Video and Still photography: Chris Holmes
Comments (2)
fantastic site :-))
Posted by sarah | October 7, 2006 11:41 PM
hi,
i'm patsy yu from Hong Kong(in China).
i like your "African Songs and Drum Beats: Streaming Video Unit" CD-Rom very much.
do you have selling for me?? How much??
because i like the african songs and drums very much.i'm waiting your reply!!Thanks!
Posted by patsy yu | November 8, 2006 7:01 AM