Unit Plan 27 (Grade 7 Vocal Music): Ensemble Performance

Focus: Perform collaboratively with confidence, musical accuracy, and stylistic awareness, demonstrating strong ensemble etiquette and respectful collaboration.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Vocal Music (Choir • Performance • Ensemble Skills)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students bring together their developing skills to perform as a confident, accurate ensemble. They focus on pitch, rhythm, diction, expression, and style while also practicing professional rehearsal and performance etiquette. Through warm-ups, sectional rehearsals, full-ensemble work, and mini-performances, students learn to trust each other, follow the conductor, and take responsibility for the group’s success—both as performers and as respectful audience members.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to perform as a musical ensemble rather than as individual singers?
• How do pitch, rhythm, diction, and expression work together to create a strong, stylistically aware performance?
• How do rehearsal and performance etiquette affect the quality of our music and the experience for performers and audiences?
• In what ways can we show respectful collaboration and leadership while performing with others?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform assigned ensemble repertoire with accurate pitch and rhythm, maintaining a steady tempo.
2. Sing with clear diction, unified vowels, and appropriate expression and style for the selected pieces.
3. Demonstrate consistent rehearsal etiquette (focus, quiet listening, following cues) and performance etiquette (professional entrances/exits, posture, audience behavior).
4. Follow conductor cues (preparatory beats, cutoffs, dynamic changes) and adjust to the group for blend and balance.
5. Use a simple ensemble performance checklist or rubric to give and receive constructive peer feedback.
6. Reflect on their growth as ensemble members, naming specific strengths and goals for future performances.

Standards Alignment — Grade 7 Vocal Music (custom, NAfME-style)

• VM:Pr6.7a — Perform vocal music with accurate pitch, rhythm, diction, and expressive intent, showing stylistic awareness.
  • Example: Students perform a two-part piece with clear diction and dynamic contrast.
• VM:Pr6.7b — Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette as singer and audience member, including respectful collaboration.
  • Example: Students follow conductor cues, enter/exit professionally, and provide constructive peer feedback.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can perform our choir piece with accurate notes and rhythms most of the time.
• I can use clear diction, good tone, and expressive dynamics that fit the style of the song.
• I can follow the conductor, watch for cues, and adjust to the ensemble for blend and balance.
• I can show professional etiquette on stage and in the audience (focus, respect, quiet, and leadership).
• I can give and receive helpful performance feedback using musical language.