Unit Plan 27 (Grade 2 Music): Group Performance
Grade 2 Music unit builds collaborative performance skills—focus, cooperation, and audience/performer decorum—rehearsing songs for a specific purpose with accurate rhythm/pitch, expression, and appropriate tempo/dynamics.
Focus: Perform collaboratively with focus, cooperation, and appropriate audience/performer behavior, sharing songs or pieces for a specific purpose with expression and technical accuracy.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Music (Performing • Rehearsing • Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students prepare and present a group performance for a specific purpose, such as sharing music with classmates, another class, or families. They review known songs or classroom pieces and work on singing/playing together, using good posture, listening, and focus. Students learn how to adjust volume, tempo, and expression to fit the audience and setting, and how to enter and exit performance spaces respectfully. They also practice being a polite audience, listening carefully and responding appropriately.
Essential Questions
- How do we perform as a group so that our music sounds clear, accurate, and expressive?
- What does it mean to perform for a specific purpose (sharing with another class, welcoming guests, celebrating)?
- How should performers and audience members behave to show respect for the music and each other?
- How does cooperation and focus help our group performance be more successful?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform selected songs or classroom pieces as part of a group, showing mostly accurate pitch, rhythm, and entrances.
- Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum: posture, watching the teacher, starting and stopping together, and staying focused.
- Adjust volume (dynamics) and tempo to fit the performance purpose and audience (e.g., not too loud for guests).
- Cooperate with classmates during rehearsal by listening, following directions, and offering friendly, specific feedback.
- Perform a short group program or sharing time for an informal audience (class, another class, or invited adults).
Standards Alignment — Grade 2 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr6.1.2a — Perform music for a specific purpose with expression and technical accuracy.
- Example: Performing a welcome song clearly and confidently.
- MU:Pr6.1.2b — Perform appropriately for the audience and purpose.
- Example: Adjusting volume and posture when performing for guests.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform with my class, coming in at the right time and staying with the beat.
- I can show I am a focused performer by standing or sitting with good posture, watching the teacher, and staying quiet between songs.
- I can change how loudly or softly I sing or play to fit our audience and purpose.
- I can work with my group kindly, taking turns and listening during rehearsal.
- I can perform our songs or pieces for others in a way that looks and sounds ready.