Sarah Lewis Ferrebee Memorial Grant: Cultural Connections through Music: Brazil
- School Year: 2016-2017
- Applicants: Karla McClain, Lead Teacher
- School: Bristow Middle School
- Subjects: Music, Social Studies
Sixth graders at Bristow Middle School will learn two styles of Brazilian music, Samba and Maculele, connecting with a Social Studies unit on Brazil. This grant will fund the purchase of authentic percussion instruments that will be used to immerse the students in the music and culture of Brazil, while also teaching rhythmic and melodic concepts already embedded in the music curriculum. Students will be engaged in hands-on, active learning, playing instruments used in the 2 art forms, singing songs from Brazil, and also learning game songs and dances from Brazil. At the end of this unit, students will be able to identify the different sections of Samba, and accurately play the rhythms of various percussion parts using correct playing technique. They will also be able to recreate a Maculele piece, including drumming, dancing and singing as well as be able to sing Brazilian folksongs by using their vocal technique and knowledge of rhythm and melodic elements. All in all, students will gain a better understanding of the culture of Brazil through learning authentic music.