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The
African-American Gospel Song
| Subject: | Culture |
| Curriculum Area: | Music; 9th and 12th grades |
Instructional Objectives:
1. The students will be able to identify African characteristics in African-American gospel songs.
2. The students will apply this information to the learning and performance of a gospel song.
Materials:
1. Photos from the exhibit, such as "Shouting at the Shirley Caesar Concert," which show audience involvement as they listen in church.
2. The Joseph Harris Map showing the African Diaspora.
3. Exhibit of actual percussion and keyboard instruments, or pictures.
4. Pictures of various gospel singers, male and female, sopranos, altos, baritones, and tenors.
5. Word Search puzzle and definitions for each student.
6. Copies of printed gospel music, spirituals, hymns, and sacred and secular songs.
Activities:
The students will be able to read the glossary and complete the Word Search Puzzle and other activities.
1. Learn the following glossary words:
(a) Call and response
(b) Diaspora
(c) Gospel music
(d) Improvisation
(e) Melisma
(f) Percussion instruments
(g) Pitch
(h) Shouting
2. Find these words in the dictionary and define them. Design a word search puzzle using at least 10 of the words.
Accompaniment
Aesthetic
Cadenza
Call and response
Choreography
Contemporary
Diaspora
Dynamics
Embellish
Ethnomusicologist
Gospel music
Improvisation
Inspirational gospel
Melisma
Passing time
Percussion instruments
Pitch
Polyrhythms
Possession
Protestant
Shouting
Vocal classification
Sacred
Secular
Slurs
Spirituals
Syncopation
Timbre
Application Questions:
There are no incorrect answers. These are suggestions only.
Q.1 How would you describe or compare the performances of James Brown, Hammer, or a similar performer on stage?
A.1 Examples:
You would see elaborate costumes
You would see exciting dance steps
The audience would respond by clapping
They would use their voices in wails, repetitive words, etc.
You would hear call and response
Q.2 If you were going to sing to a baby, what sounds might you make?
A.2 Soft, clicking tones, a change in the quality or texture of the sound.
Q.3 Why is improvisation an integral part of African-derived music?
A.3 The audience and performers want a unique and new creative experience each time.
Q.4 Listening to the hymn "Amazing Grace" being performed by a contemporary gospel group, what musical idioms are apparent?
A.4 Examples:
1. Rhythmic changes
2. Slides between notes
3. Held notes
4. Clapping
5. Dancing
6. People answering as singers performed
7. A soloist with chorus
Alternatively:
Plan to attend a Gospel music concert with the students as a class trip. Allow the students to help you find and plan where and when to attend the concert.