These four lessons introduce students to Native American composer Brent Michael Davids and his choral piece based upon a famous traditional song from Zuni Pueblo for the sunrise. His “Zuni Sunrise Song” is the third song in Native American Suite.
One lesson for grades K-2 (Lesson 1A) and three lessons for grades 3-5 (Lessons 1B, 2B, and 3B) are provided, all with multiple extension activities that could be stand-alone additional lessons. The book The Way to Start a Day is used as an introduction to the importance of sunrise in cultures all over the world. Lessons 1A and 1B provides movement experiences to the phrasing and form of the traditional “Zuni Sunrise” melody performed by Zuni singer Chester Mahooty. Lesson 2B gives students the opportunity to learn to sing the melody and play it on a pitched instrument. Lesson 3B gives fifth grade recorder students the opportunity to learn to play “Zuni Sunrise.”
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 highlight the musical and cultural learnings.
The audio recording used for Brent Michael Davids’ “Zuni Sunrise Song” features the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, and the concert video features the Lakeside Singers. Other recordings are linked to the lesson plans, including a YouTube interview of the composer done by students. Teachers should get any permission needed for their use of YouTube in the classroom, and cue videos past all ads prior to class.
Teachers can choose the components of the lesson plans that best meet their instructional needs and the developmental levels of their students. Underlining indicates hyperlinked lesson components. The lesson plans are:
Grades K-2:
Lesson 1A: Move to the Phrase
Grades 3-5:
Lesson 1B: Move to the Phrase
Lesson 2B: Sing and Play the Melody
Lesson 3B: Play the Melody on Recorder (Advanced, 5th grade)
