Unit Plan 23 (Grade 5 Orchestra): Music in School & Community

Focus: Explore how orchestra music supports school and community events and why it is meaningful.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Orchestra (Connections • Community • Reflection)

Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30-minute sessions

I. Introduction

Students explore where orchestra music shows up in their real lives—school concerts, assemblies, holiday events, sports, and community celebrations. Through listening examples, photos, and discussion, they identify how string music can make events feel exciting, serious, celebratory, or peaceful. Students consider their role as young musicians in the school community and reflect on how their playing contributes to shared experiences.

Essential Questions

• Where do we hear orchestra music in our school and community, and what is happening during those events?
• How does string music change the mood, energy, or meaning of an event?
• Why is it important for students to participate in music that serves the school and community?
• How can I, as a young string player, contribute positively to events at my school or in my community?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify at least three ways orchestra music is used in school and community events (concerts, assemblies, celebrations, ceremonies).
2. Describe how string music can support or change the mood of an event (e.g., calm, serious, joyful).
3. Explain why orchestra performances are meaningful for the school and community (bringing people together, honoring people, celebrating).
4. Connect their own interests and goals to their role as school/community musicians (why they play, one way they want to contribute).
5. Create a simple “Music in Our School/Community” poster or mini-presentation that shows one use of orchestra music and explains why it matters.

Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Cn11.5a — Identify how orchestra music is used in school and community settings and explain why it is meaningful.
  • Example: Students describe how string music is used in concerts, assemblies, or celebrations.

Success Criteria — Student-Friendly Language

• I can name at least three places or events where we might hear orchestra music at school or in the community.
• I can describe how the sound of string music can make an event feel more exciting, serious, or peaceful.
• I can explain why orchestra performances matter for our school or community (not just “because it’s fun”).
• I can make a poster or mini-presentation that clearly shows one event and how music helps that event.
• I can share how my own goals as a string player connect to helping my school or community.