Unit Plan 36 (Grade 6 Vocal Music): Vocal Performance Day

Focus: Perform vocal music demonstrating growth in pitch, rhythm, diction, and expression while showing strong ensemble and audience etiquette.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Vocal Music (Performing • Presenting • Reflecting)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–55 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this culminating unit, students bring together everything they have learned about healthy technique, musical accuracy, and expression to present a final vocal performance. They focus on singing with accurate pitch and rhythm, clear diction, and expressive intent, while also demonstrating professional rehearsal and performance etiquette as both performers and audience members. After the performance, students reflect on their growth as individual singers and as an ensemble.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to perform with musical excellence and professional etiquette, not just “get through the song”?
• How do pitch, rhythm, diction, and expression work together to create a strong performance?
• What does respectful performance and audience behavior look and sound like?
• How can reflecting on our performance help us grow as singers for the future?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform a prepared vocal piece with mostly accurate pitch, rhythm, diction, and expression.
2. Demonstrate appropriate performance etiquette (entering, standing, focusing, exiting) as singers.
3. Show respectful audience etiquette while peers perform (listening quietly, watching attentively, responding appropriately).
4. Use simple musical language to describe at least one area of personal or ensemble growth.
5. Complete a brief Performance Day Reflection that connects rehearsal work to performance outcomes.

Standards Alignment — Grade 6 Vocal Music (custom, NAfME-style)

• VM:Pr6.6a — Perform vocal music with appropriate pitch, rhythm, diction, and expression.
  • Example: Students perform a unison song with clear diction and dynamic contrast.
• VM:Pr6.6b — Demonstrate appropriate performance etiquette as a singer and audience member.
  • Example: Students enter the risers quietly and maintain focus during performances.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can perform our song with mostly correct pitch and rhythm.
• I can use clear diction and show expression that matches the song’s mood.
• I can show professional performance etiquette when I sing on stage.
• I can be a respectful audience member when others perform.
• I can explain at least one way I have improved as a singer this year.