Unit Plan 32 (Grade 7 Vocal Music): Expressive Performance
Grade 7 choir unit developing expressive, stylistically accurate performance through clear pitch, rhythm, diction, tone, and intentional musical choices.
Focus: Perform music with strong expressive intent and stylistic accuracy, demonstrating clear pitch, rhythm, diction, and tone that match the character and style of each piece.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Vocal Music (Choir • Performance • Expression)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students bring together their vocal skills to focus on expressive performance. They refine how they use dynamics, phrasing, articulation, diction, and tone color to communicate the mood and message of a piece. Using familiar repertoire, they analyze stylistic expectations (e.g., folk, musical theatre, spirituals) and practice performing with accurate pitch and rhythm while also shaping lines, faces, and body language to match the style. The week ends with in-class performances and short reflections on expressive choices.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform with expressive intent, not just “sing the notes”?
- How do dynamics, phrasing, diction, and tone work together to communicate a piece’s emotion and style?
- How can we show stylistic awareness when performing different genres of vocal music?
- How does expressive performance affect both the singer’s experience and the audience’s experience?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform selected repertoire with accurate pitch and rhythm, maintaining a steady tempo and clear part responsibilities.
- Use dynamics, phrasing, and articulation to shape musical lines in ways that match the text and style.
- Demonstrate clear diction and unified vowel shape, ensuring that words are understandable and tone remains healthy.
- Adjust tone color, facial expression, and limited movement/body language to reflect the mood and style of the piece.
- Rehearse short sections with a focus on expressive goals (not just note accuracy), refining choices based on teacher and peer feedback.
- Perform a short selection for the class that shows expressive intent and stylistic awareness, then briefly explain one or two of their choices.
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.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can sing my part accurately with correct pitches, rhythms, and steady tempo.
- I can use dynamics and phrasing to make the music feel more expressive and clear.
- I can sing with clear words and healthy tone, so the audience understands the text.
- I can show that I understand the style of the piece (e.g., gentle, powerful, joyful, serious) through my sound and expression.
- I can explain at least one expressive choice I made and why it fits the music.