Project-based performance classes are a fun and dynamic way to get students playing instruments that aren’t usually part of a traditional orchestra, like electric guitars and drum sets. After hearing from students that they wanted more chances to perform and be involved in music, I decided to switch to this format.
Our curriculum is designed to keep things engaging and meet performance requirements, but it also allows for the freedom of project-based learning. This approach is all about empowering students and giving them the freedom to choose tasks that align with their learning styles, skill levels, and interests.
For example, our assignments on Duke Ellington and Jimi Hendrix showed just how creative and diverse students’ projects can be. Some students performed, while others found ways to showcase their knowledge and understanding of music. It’s all about letting each student shine in their way.
Here are some examples of those choices:
Assignment: Dive into Duke Ellington
Use class time to research Duke Ellington and listen to some of his music. Create a document to keep notes for a future slideshow presentation. Make sure to list your sources. The document should be at least one page long.
Tasks:
Middle School Students:
- Look into Duke Ellington’s relationships with members of his orchestra. Use online resources to find information about their recordings or live performances.
- Pick one of the performers below based on your instrument and research them:
- String Players: Ray Nance, Jimmy Blanton, Billy Strayhorn
- Percussion Players: Sonny Greer, Sam Woodyard
- Wind Players: Ben Webster, Cootie Williams, Ray Stewart, Bubber Miley, Barney Bigard
Upper School Students:
- Investigate any topic related to Duke Ellington that interests you.
- Start brainstorming a research topic. Here are some ideas:
- The connection between Duke Ellington’s music and Langston Hughes’s poetry
- How Ellington used the classical symphony orchestra in some of his compositions
- Women who worked with Duke Ellington
Research and Note-Taking on Jimi Hendrix
Goal: Research Jimi Hendrix, listen to his performances and create a document with your notes for a future presentation. The document should be at least one page long and include sources.
Tasks
Middle School Students:
- Explore Jimi Hendrix’s relationships with other musicians or bands of his era.
- Use online resources to learn about his recordings or live performances.
- Please choose one of his albums to research as part of this project.
Upper School Students:
- Investigate any topic related to Jimi Hendrix that interests you.
- Begin outlining a research topic with an exciting point of view.
- Here are some sample topics:
- The connection between Jimi Hendrix’s music and poetry.
- How Jimi Hendrix used the blues as inspiration.
- Jimi Hendrix’s jazz influences.
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