Unit Plan 32 (Grade 5 Music): Performing Favorite Music

Focus: Perform selected favorite repertoire (songs, patterns, or pieces) with expression, technical accuracy, and stylistic awareness, building confidence and stage presence.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: General Music

Total Unit Duration: 1 required session + 2 optional sessions (50–60 minutes each)

I. Introduction

In this unit, students bring together what they’ve learned about rhythm, melody, expression, and form to perform favorite class repertoire with confidence. They review rehearsal expectations, identify what makes a performance “polished,” and practice presenting music for an audience of peers. Students focus on technical accuracy (steady beat, correct pitches, clear diction) and expressive choices (dynamics, tempo, articulation, style) that match the piece and performance context.

Essential Questions

• What makes a musical performance feel confident, accurate, and expressive to an audience?
• How do our musical choices (dynamics, tempo, tone, articulation) change how listeners experience a piece?
• What responsibilities do performers have when sharing music they care about with others?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Rehearse and perform selected favorite class repertoire (songs, ostinatos, patterns, or short pieces) with accurate rhythm, pitch, and diction.
2. Use expressive qualities (dynamics, tempo, articulation, tone) to communicate a clear musical intent.
3. Demonstrate stylistic awareness, adjusting performance to fit the genre, context, and audience.
4. Show performance decorum appropriate to the situation (focused body posture, attentive listening, appropriate transitions).
5. Reflect on their performance using specific musical evidence (where accuracy and expression were strong and where they can grow).

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.

Success Criteria — Student-Friendly Language

• I can perform our class music with steady beat, correct rhythms, and accurate pitches.
• I can use dynamics, tempo, and articulation to help the music show a mood or message.
• I can adjust how I sing/play to match the style of the piece and the audience.
• I can show I’m a good performer by using focused posture and respectful listening when others perform.
• I can describe one strength and one area to improve in my performance using music words.