This document outlines the lesson plan for a music class that focuses on African percussion instruments and drumming techniques. The class will:
1. Review seating arrangements and drumming technique.
2. Learn the names of 10 African countries and the philosophy of the drum circle, where everyone is equal.
3. Practice drumming techniques using only fingers, and learn new instruments like maracas and cowbells.
4. Focus on bass drum tones and practice an ensemble piece before being assigned homework on percussion instruments.
1. Music 6
Welcome to
Music class!
Task Time
1. Seating Chart Review 3 min
2. Most Important Question
& Attendance
2 min
3. Countries of Africa 5 min
4. The Drum Circle 5 min
5. Drumming Technique 20 min
6. When’s Your Birthday? 10 min
7. Clean Up, Bravo! 5 min
2. What Are We Learning Today?
By the end of today’s class, you will…
…review where you sit for the quarter
…know proper drumming technique
…know the philosophy behind the Drum Circle
3. Countries of Africa
To the best of your ability, determine the names of the
ten listed countries in your notes
Try your best—you won’t be penalized for wrong
answers, I just want to know what you know!
4. Countries of Africa
1. Algeria
2. Libya
3. Egypt
4. Sudan
5. Ethiopia
6. Somalia
7. Kenya
8. Tanzania
9. Madagascar
10. South Africa
5. The Drum Circle
“A circle is a symbol of equality; within this we shall
find respect.” What does this mean in Music class?
When we are drumming, we will utilize a drum circle
Everyone in the circle is equal
We sit at the same height and look toward one another
Many of our activities will progress through the circle
When it’s your turn, say and play with confidence!
6. Drumming Technique
When we drum, we will use our fingers only first
Think about touching a stove—how would you react
once you realized it was hot?
That is how we play the drum
Echo me!
7. What’s Your Name?
I will say and play “What’s Your Name?”
One student will respond with their name, in a two-beat
rhythm
We then repeat it as a class
For example:
Me: “What’s your name?”
Timmy: “Timmy Johnson!”
Us: “What’s your name? Timmy Johnson!”
It’s always me, student, class, class
Let’s try it together!
8. What’s Your Name?
Can we make it through the entire circle without any
pauses?
If we can, let’s try a variation
9.
10. Music 6
Welcome to
Music class!
Task Time
1. Which Instruments Do You
Know?
3 min
2. Most Important Question
& Attendance
2 min
3. Technique Review 5 min
4. New Instruments 10 min
5. Bass Tone 10 min
6. Ensemble Practice 15 min
7. Homework, Exit Ticket 5 min
11. What Are We Learning Today?
By the end of today’s class, you will…
…know a few new African percussion instruments
…know a new drumming technique
…begin practicing a complex ensemble piece
12. Technique Review
The technique we use with just our fingers is called
What household appliance will help us remember the
proper technique?
Let’s practice this with “What’s For Dinner?”
13. New Instruments
We have three new instruments to learn today
Maraca: a round rattle on a stick that is
Cowbell: a bell that is traditionally tied around the neck
of a cow; it is struck with a stick
Tubano: a large, drum in various sizes
14. Bass Tone
The bass tone is what we will use for the tubanos
It uses a slightly cupped hand
We hit in the center of the drum
It bounces up just like the open tone
15.
16. Homework
Your homework assignment is to watch the video on our classroom
webpage and respond to the questions you’ve been given
Due week 3
17. Exit Ticket
Match two of the African percussion instrument pictures to their names on
the exit ticket provided
