SAMPLE LESSON PLAN 1

Lightning Field by John Mackey

OBJECTIVE: Students will use creative writing skills to create a short narrative that describes
what they think is happening in the piece. Students will be able to justify their decisions by
citing examples from the music.

MATERIALS:
- Recording of the piece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flMTMimUS9E)
- Paper and pencil or iPad for writing

STANDARDS:
- Re.2.P Explain how the analysis of passages and understanding the way the elements of
music are manipulated inform the response to music.
- Cr.4.Ac Share personally-developed arrangements, sections, and short compositions –
individually or as an ensemble – that address identified purposes.

SEQUENCE
1. Students will play through a chorale based on the chord progression from “Home” by
Phillip Phillips (IV–I–V–vi). Afterwards, we will discuss observations as a class (moods
felt, chord qualities, etc.).
2. Students will listen to a recording of “Home” and draw parallels between the two pieces
of music.
3. Students will play the chorale again, implementing observations and parallels. Those
who feel comfortable can improvise with passing notes throughout their parts.
4. Students will play through Lightning Storm. By discussing with a partner first, then as a
class, students will discuss their observations about the piece.
5. Students will volunteer to share with the class what they observed about the piece,
using specific points in the music to justify their claims (i.e. “I felt excited at m. 72
because the articulations made it exciting”). We will go back and play through these
specific points as they come up so that further discussion can develop.
6. Students will come up with a story based on the piece. Discussion with partners in
encourages
7. A couple students will volunteer to will share their stories.
8. Students will play through the piece one more time and apply what we discussed as a
class and use the image of their story in their head.
ASSESSMENT
Students will create and submit, through paper or electronic submission, a short story about
Lightning Field. Students will be assessed on their ability to justify their story with musical
citations from the piece. Students submissions will be analyzed and given feedback before
being given back to students.