Unit Plan 7 (Grade 5 Orchestra): Playing Together
Grade 5 orchestra unit building ensemble skills through conductor cues, steady beat, rest counting, and listening to start, stop, and play together.
Focus: Practice starting, stopping, and playing together as an ensemble by watching the conductor, tracking rests, and listening across the group.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Orchestra (Ensemble Skills • Technique • Etiquette)
Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30-minute sessions
I. Introduction
Students focus on what it means to play together as a beginning orchestra. They learn to watch the conductor, count rests, and listen across the ensemble so that starts, stops, and steady beat feel unified. Through unison patterns, simple pieces, and stop/start games, they practice entering and ending as one group while using respectful rehearsal habits.
Essential Questions
- How do we make sure the orchestra starts and stops together instead of as separate individuals?
- Why is it important to watch the conductor and track rests while we play?
- How does listening to others help us stay with the steady beat and match the ensemble sound?
- What rehearsal behaviors help everyone feel successful when we perform together?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Follow the conductor’s cue to start and stop a unison pattern together with the ensemble.
- Maintain a steady beat in beginning orchestra music while matching bow direction and basic tone.
- Track rests and re-enter at the correct time by counting or using silent internal pulse.
- Demonstrate rehearsal etiquette (watching, listening, quiet while others play, respectful collaboration).
- Complete a Playing Together Performance Task showing ensemble entrances, steady beat, and appropriate etiquette.
Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)
- OR:Pr6.5a — Perform beginning orchestra music with accurate pitch, steady beat, appropriate bowing, and characteristic tone in an ensemble setting.
- Example: Students perform a unison class piece together with consistent bow direction.
- OR:Pr6.5b — Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette, including watching the conductor, tracking rests, and respectful collaboration.
- Example: Students follow bowings, enter together, and support section success.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can start and stop with the group by watching the conductor and listening.
- I can keep a steady beat and match the ensemble’s bow direction and tempo.
- I can track my rests and know exactly when to come back in.
- I can show good orchestra behavior that helps everyone play together successfully.