Foundational Ensemble Curriculum

Introduction
The Música Franklin Foundational Ensemble consists of two main components. The Singing Ensemble is led by Gloria Matlock and includes singing, drumming, body-drumming, and step-dancing. The Strings Ensemble is led by Bekka Eowind in Greenfield and Annierose Klingbeil in Turners Falls, and it includes violin, viola, cello, bass, and some singing. Both courses are supplemented weekly by a Social Justice Discussion during Singing Ensemble and a Listening Session during Strings Ensemble. Students are also invited to participate in a semi-private lesson once per week to strengthen their technique on a string instrument.
Singing Ensemble
Learning Goal 1: Students will be able to sing the correct pitches in tune.
Skills:
Matching pitches in the appropriate range and vocal register
Unison singing
Executing diatonic scales on predetermined syllables
Learning Goal 2: Students will be able to memorize and sing the correct lyrics.
Skills:
Actively listening to song demonstration
Reading and writing lyrics
Learning Goal 3: Students will be able to memorize choreography.
Skills:
Clapping on the appropriate offbeats
Mirroring demonstrated dance steps
Correlating lyrics to movement
Learning Goal 4: Students will be able to play with rhythmic accuracy.
Skills:
Recognizing patterns
Developing hand independence
Learning Goal 5: Students will be able to engage in call-and-response.
Skills:
Actively listening to short phrases
Reconstructing short phrases impromptu
Learning Goal 6: Students will be able to demonstrate professionalism on stage.
Skills:
Announcing the songs and their composers
Leading the ensemble
Respecting the audience by focusing on the performance
Limiting distractions
Learning Goal 7: Students will be able to perform with emotion and dynamics.
Skills:
Following the director’s cues
Identifying how to sing strongly or softly
Analyzing the meaning of the lyrics
Learning Goal 8: Students will be able to think critically about social issues.
Skills:
Respecting others
Engaging positivity
Practicing honesty
Sharing the spotlight
Respecting the cultures and religions of others
Cooperating with each other and the community
Strings Ensemble
Learning Goal 1: Students will be able to play the correct pitches in tune with proper technique and posture.
Skills:
Demonstrating playing position
Maintaining violin height
Plucking open strings
Maintaining the correct bow hold
Keeping a consistent bow/string contact point
Using the forearm to control the bow
Left hand finger placement
Hearing, identifying, and vocalizing the desired pitches
Learning Goal 2: Students will be able to play with rhythmic accuracy.
Skills:
Starting together
Using appropriate bow speed
Counting and maintaining the tempo
Conceptualizing the rhythms
Subdividing the beat
Learning Goal 3: Students will be able to engage in call-and-response.
Skills:
Actively listening to short phrases
Reconstructing short phrases impromptu
Learning Goal 4: Students will be able to perform with emotion and dynamics.
Skills:
Following the director’s cues
Controlling bow speed
Applying appropriate bow weight
Considering the intention of the composer
Learning Goal 5: Students will be able to demonstrate professionalism on stage.
Skills:
Treating the instruments with care
Standing in performance rows
Sharing a stand
Announcing the songs and their composers
Demonstrating playing position
Leading the ensemble
Retreating to rest position
Taking a bow
Learning Goal 6: Students will be able to identify various instruments and diverse musical styles.
Skills:
Actively listening to and watching other musicians
Relating to musical performances
Repertoire Units and Discussion Topics
Singing Ensemble
Unit A: Spirituals
Unit B: Kwanzaa Principles
Unit C: World Music
Unit D: Protest Songs
Unit E: Carols
Strings Ensemble
Unit A: Standard Beginner Strings Repertoire
Unit B: Jazz and Pop
Unit C: Fiddle Tunes
Unit D: European Classical Music
Social Justice Topics (partial list)
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immigration and compassion toward refugees
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peer pressure and bullying
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equality
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importance of education
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housing & homelessness
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responsibilities of youth
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food justice
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youth voice
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kindness and caring about friends
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environmental justice
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fairness
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Nguzo Saba
Listening Material (partial list)
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Esperanza Spalding
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Bobby McFerrin
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Flor de Toloache
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Randall Goosby
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Itzhak Perlman
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The Kanneh-Mason Family
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Angelique Kidjo
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Snarky Puppy ft. Susana Baca and Charlie Hunter