These lessons help introduce students to the many “firsts” of African American composer William Grant Still and his Symphony No. 1, known as the “Afro-American Symphony,” which blends classical and jazz/blues styles. The third movement, Animato (“Humor”) includes the tenor banjo in the orchestra.
To best meet student needs there is one extended lesson for grades K-2 (Lesson 1A) and three extended lessons for grades 3-6 (Lessons 1B, 2B, and 3B)–however, the lessons for older students can also be adapted and simplified for younger grades. Sections of the lesson plans labelled “Optional” or “Extensions” can be entire stand-alone lessons, in many cases.
The lessons provide students the opportunity to move, sing, play instruments, and create, based on the listening experience. The National Standards listed for each lesson facilitate experiences in creating, performing, responding, and connecting the listening experience to other topics and daily life. Conceptual and Contextual Understandings are listed to highlight the musical and cultural-contextual learnings.
The audio recording used for the lessons features the Cincinnati (OH) Philharmonia Orchestra, and the concert video features musicians of the Tampa Bay (FL) Symphony. Other videos are linked to the lesson plans, including a short documentary on YouTube explaining the piece.
Teachers can choose the components of the lesson plans that best meet their instructional needs and the developmental levels of their students. Teachers should get any permission needed for their use of YouTube videos in the classroom, and cue videos past all ads before class.
Underlining indicates hyperlinked lesson components.
The lessons plans are:
Grades K-2
Lesson 1A: Beat and Form
Grades 3-6
Lesson 1B: Beat and Form
Lesson 2B: Motives, Themes, and Variations
Lesson 3B: That Sounds Familiar
