Unit Plan 32 (Grade 6 Orchestra): Expressive Performance
Grade 6 orchestra unit performing with accurate pitch and rhythm while shaping dynamics, phrasing, and tone to create expressive, unified ensemble sound.
Focus: Perform music with accurate pitch/rhythm plus clear dynamics, phrasing, and tone intent.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Orchestra (Performance • Expression • Ensemble Skills)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, Grade 6 orchestra students focus on performing with accuracy and expression at the same time. Instead of only “playing the right notes,” they learn how to shape dynamics, phrasing, and tone so the music has clear character. Using short excerpts from current repertoire, students practice reading expressive markings, matching unified bowing, and listening for balance/blend in the ensemble. By the end of the week, they present a short expressive performance and reflect on how their choices affected the audience’s experience.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform with accuracy and expression, not just play the notes?
- How do dynamics, phrasing, and tone help tell the musical “story” in a piece?
- Why is unified bowing and ensemble balance important for expressive performance?
- How can feedback and self-reflection help me grow as an expressive string musician?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform selected Grade 6 orchestral excerpts with accurate pitch and steady rhythm at an appropriate tempo.
- Demonstrate basic dynamic contrast (e.g., p, mf, f, crescendos/decrescendos) and phrase shaping in ensemble performance.
- Maintain characteristic tone and unified bowing within their section to support overall balance and blend.
- Use teacher/peer feedback to refine expressive details (dynamics, tone color, phrase endings) between run-throughs.
- Present a short expressive performance and explain at least one expressive choice they made and why it fit the music.
Standards Alignment — Grade 6 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)
- OR:Pr6.6a — Perform orchestra music with accurate pitch, steady rhythm, characteristic tone, unified bowing, and basic expression in an ensemble setting.
- Example: Students perform a two-part string arrangement with steady tempo and matching bow directions.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform my part with mostly accurate notes and steady rhythm.
- I can show dynamic changes and phrasing (where the musical line grows and relaxes) when I play.
- I can keep a good tone and match bowings with my section so we sound blended.
- I can use feedback to adjust my dynamics, tone, or phrasing between run-throughs.
- I can explain one or two expressive choices I made and how they helped the music.