Need 6th grade resources

[nafmeadmin]

Hi all, I’m a junior high band director and I’ve just begun teaching 6th grade music for the first time in 13 years. The class meets for 45 minutes each day for a 9 week period. I need some ideas. I am just completing an in-depth unit on instruments. I used to do a couple of weeks on rhythms, notes, form and vocabulary and also a few weeks on La Boheme. I would like to modernize a little. In addition, I could use some ideas on sub material as I will be missing a couple days in a row.
I appreciate your help.
Dave Geckle

[nafmeadmin]

First define your goals. Is it play or have background knowledge and appreciation.

You might want to consider changing from La Boheme to a more modern opera in English. I have had good luck with Pirates of Penzance. Let them watch the movie while you are gone and then do a read thru of some the scenes. My students loved Modern Major General and the Pirate King from it. With it being in English it might be easier. You might also consider the Music Man or Phantom of the Opera depending on your students.

You might also consider doing a history of American music and going thru rock and rap. This would show the progression of music in America.

[nafmeadmin]

That is probably my biggest concern at this point. What is standard practice for modern 6th grade music? I can’t really define my goals until I understand contemporary practices. The ideas about changing La Boheme is great. I may need to send the kids to a computer lab for a few days with a sub. Any ideas to keep them busy there?

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