Unit Plan 27 (Grade 5 Music): Group Performance
Grade 5 general music unit focused on collaborative performance, emphasizing accuracy, expression, ensemble responsibility, and proper audience etiquette.
Focus: Perform collaboratively with accuracy, expression, and proper decorum, demonstrating ensemble responsibility and audience etiquette.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Music (General Music)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (weekly class, 50–60 minutes per session)
I. Introduction
Students prepare for and participate in a group performance, focusing on performing with accurate rhythm and pitch, expressive musicality, and appropriate performance decorum. They learn how to enter, stand, play/sing, and respond as both performers and audience members in a way that respects the music, their peers, and the performance space. Through rehearsal, self-checks, and reflection, students build confidence in performing together and representing the ensemble well.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform music accurately and expressively with a group?
- How do performers’ choices and habits (focus, posture, listening) affect the success of a performance?
- Why do performance decorum and audience etiquette matter in concerts, assemblies, and informal sharings?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Rehearse and perform assigned ensemble repertoire (vocal and/or instrumental) with accurate rhythm, pitch, and steady tempo.
- Apply expressive elements (dynamics, articulation, tone, phrasing) that match the style and intent of the music.
- Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum as performers (focused posture, following cues) and audience etiquette (quiet listening, appropriate applause).
- Collaborate with peers to start, stay together, and end together, adjusting to the group’s needs.
- Reflect on their performance using established criteria, noting strengths and areas for improvement.
Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr6.1.5a — Perform music, alone or with others, with expression, technical accuracy, and appropriate interpretation.
- Example: Performing an ensemble piece with correct rhythm, pitch, and style.
- MU:Pr6.1.5b — Demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate for the context, venue, and genre.
- Example: Modeling appropriate concert behavior as performer and listener.
Success Criteria — Student-Friendly Language
- I can perform my part with accurate rhythm and pitch and a steady tempo.
- I can use dynamics, articulation, and tone that match the style of the music.
- I can show good performance habits (posture, focus, following cues) while I perform.
- I can show respectful audience behavior when I am listening to others perform.
- I can explain one thing I did well and one thing I want to improve for next time.