One of the problems that music teacher encounter when attempting to get new students into their groups, is the issue of a student not “liking” the music that is performed in choir. I propose creating a Hip Hop/Rap Vocal Ensemble to attract new students into the choral scene who wouldn’t normally think of joining.
Name of Class – Modern Hip Hop/Rap
Number of students who can participate – As many that want to! There is no limit on the number of students, although ideally the group will be kept to the size a choir.
The purpose or goal of the class would be not only to create a medium between the choir world, and the kids with no choir experience, but to also create a low-stress and fun class that teaches kids about music in a way that they are more familiar with. The students will look at the evolution of modern Hip Hop and Rap music, study its meaning, where it comes from, and even look at how most of it is structured in a basic theory standpoint. On top of this the students will have many opportunities to learn and perform different Hip Hop and Rap pieces, and even get the chance to write their own. The students will use mainly their voice when performing, but will have access to instruments through iPads.
No prerequisite for this class! Just a desire to be there!
The limitations of this class would be that we are limiting the style of music that the students have the opportunity to learn and perform.
Benefits of this class-
- Fulfills National core standards of Creating, Performing/Presenting, Responding, and Connecting
- It allows the individual to create a further understanding of music, and develop their own personal love for it through music that they can understand and better respond to.
- It benefits the school by creating a gateway into more potential choir students and shows the school as understanding and connecting to the needs/wants of their students.
Refrences:
http://www.ncte.org/magazine/archives/123024
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