Lesson Four: Phrasing/Dynamics

Standards:
MU:Pr4.2.E.5a: Demonstrate, using music reading skills where appropriate, how the
setting and formal characteristics of musical works contribute to understanding the
context of the music in prepared or improvised performances.
MU:Pr4.3.E.Ia: Demonstrate an understanding of context in a varied repertoire of
music through prepared and improvised performances.
MU:Pr6.1.E.8a: Demonstrate attention to technical accuracy and expressive qualities
in prepared and improvised performances of a varied repertoire of music representing
diverse cultures and styles.

Objectives:
1. While singing The Awakening, students will identify the phrasing through body
movement as well as a drawing representation.

Warm-Up:
1. T hands out straws to Ss for breathing exercises
2. Ss will breathe in air through the straw for four counts, then hiss out for 4, 8, 12, 16
counts.
a. While breathing out, Ss hiss in the dynamics the teacher conducts
3. Students have the opportunity to conduct and lead phrasing during the breathing exercise.

Activity Sequence:
1. Ss sing through the different phrases in the song.
2. T a S a (example below) for identifying the phrasing and
dynamics.
a. Ss squat during soft (p) sections of the song, and grow (or rise) as the piece gets
louder and the phrasing grows. As they reach the climax of the phrase, Ss are
standing straight hands in the air if desired. As they decrescendo, Ss will begin
to squat again to the soft position.

Sunrise Movements:

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Example:

I dreamed a dream, a silent dream of a land not far away.

3. Sing through each phrase and have Ss move with the phrasing/dynamics.
a. T changes phrasing slightly each time with their conducting to see if Ss can
follow while doing the movement.
4. Hand Ss Phrase sheets. (Example below)
a. These should be varied by phrases and handed out randomly.
5. Have Ss draw a sunrise over their phrase.
a. Small/rising sun over soft dynamic levels, then full sun at loud dynamic levels.
Phrasing Sheet

Name:

Where ever emptiness is found, let there be joy and glorious sound.
Assessment:
Assessment will happen informally throughout the lesson when Ss are following the conducting
and doing the sunrise movement. They will be assessed on how they can identify the phrasing
through a written assignment.
Question Yes/No
Did students actively participate in the Sunrise movement when singing The
Awakening?
Did students correctly identify the phrasing on their Phrase Sheets using a
sunrise?

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