Lesson Plan : Radio Show

(adapted from "Bringing Music History to Life" by Jeffery E. Bush, Arizona State University in Tempe, Music Educators Journal, May 2000)

This activity offers the opportunity for your students to use today's technology to explore historical themes of any era. If done during the week after the musician's introductory session it will give a rich context with which to experience the rest of the residency. It is only a suggestion and can be modified or replaced with another approach you want to try.

Groups of 3-6 students will present a fictitious radio show, to the class (or record and play it on a tape recorder). They can find information in encyclopedias, textbooks, monographs, CDs or videos from your school or district library. Your musician will provide a musical overview in the first session. The length of each segment is up to you, but short and sweet is best.

Sample websites are provided to research the following segments of the show (search www.google.com to find more):

Day One: Make outline, list of assignments, and time lengths of each segment

Day Two: Research; Day Three - Group discussion and revisions (+ tape-recording if desired); Day Four - Live or taped presentations.

Each group decides for itself how to assign tasks, including who researches what, how to write the script and rehearse. If recorded, it's played twice for the class: first as an introduction and second for evaluation.

Class Discussion:

1. What role did the music play?

2. How did one person, event, art form or technology influence another aspect of art or life?

3. Similarities and differences in themes, ideals and audiences.

4. Describe any changes over time.

Assessment:

1. Teacher and/or students can create an evaluation form to fill out after each presentation covering thoroughness, interest and creativity. Or use Critical Reflections that I can send you.

2. The students in each group can answer some or all of the questions from Self-Assessment of a Music History Project. I can send this to you.