Unit Plan 9 (Grade 3 Music): Rhythm Performance
Grade 3 rhythm performance unit: students perform with accuracy and expression while practicing stage presence, performance decorum, and respectful audience etiquette.
Focus: Perform rhythmic pieces with technical accuracy, appropriate expression, and clear performance decorum and audience etiquette.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Music (Rhythm • Performance • Concert Skills)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students bring together what they have learned about rhythm, ensemble playing, dynamics, and tempo to present short rhythm performances. They practice what it means to perform with focus, good posture, and stage presence, and they learn how to be a respectful audience for their classmates. Students rehearse a small set of rhythmic pieces, refine technical accuracy and expression, and then share performances in an in-class “Rhythm Sharing Day” setting. Throughout, they reflect on how decorum and etiquette show respect for the music, performers, and audience.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform music with technical accuracy and expression?
- How do posture, focus, and stage behavior (decorum) show respect for the music and the audience?
- How should an audience behave to support performers and show good etiquette?
- How can we reflect on our performances to celebrate strengths and set goals for future concerts?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform learned rhythmic pieces (unison and/or ensemble patterns) with correct rhythm, steady beat, and consistent tempo.
- Demonstrate performance decorum: entering and exiting calmly, using appropriate posture, watching the teacher/conductor, and remaining focused during performances.
- Demonstrate audience etiquette: listening quietly, watching respectfully, and responding appropriately (e.g., clapping at the right times).
- Use rehearsal time to polish tricky spots and align expression (dynamics, tempo) with the character of the piece.
- Reflect on performances, describing at least one strength and one area to improve in technical accuracy, expression, or decorum.
Standards Alignment — Grade 3 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr6.1.3a — Perform music with expression and technical accuracy.
- Example: Singing in tune with appropriate dynamics.
- MU:Pr6.1.3b — Demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate to the context and venue.
- Example: Showing proper posture and focus during a concert.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform my rhythm part with the correct pattern and a steady beat.
- I can show good performance decorum by how I walk on, stand/sit, focus, and walk off.
- I can be a respectful audience member by listening, watching, and clapping at the right times.
- I can use dynamics and tempo to make my rhythm performance expressive.
- I can say one thing I did well and one thing I want to improve for next time.