Unit Plan 9 (Grade 7 Vocal Music): Unison Performance

Focus: Perform unison repertoire with accurate pitch, rhythm, diction, and expressive intent, demonstrating strong ensemble focus and appropriate rehearsal/performance etiquette.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Vocal Music (Choir • Performance • Musicianship)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn how powerful a choir can sound when everyone sings together in unison with shared focus and expression. They refine pitch and rhythm accuracy, practice clear diction, and shape phrases expressively while watching the conductor and listening across the ensemble. Students also strengthen their performance etiquette—from entering the stage to receiving applause. By the end of the week, they will present a short unison performance (live or recorded) that shows both musical and professional growth.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to perform a unison song with accuracy and expression, not just “sing the notes”?
• How does ensemble focus (watching the conductor, listening across the group) change a unison performance?
• How do diction, tone, and dynamics help the audience understand and feel the text?
• What does professional rehearsal and performance etiquette look and feel like in a middle school choir?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform a unison song with accurate pitch and rhythm while following the conductor’s tempo and cues.
2. Sing with clear diction so words are understandable at a distance, including consistent consonants and vowels.
3. Apply dynamics, phrasing, and tone to communicate the mood and style of the piece.
4. Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and performance etiquette (focus, posture, eye contact, respectful collaboration).
5. Listen across the ensemble to maintain together entrances, cutoffs, and sustained notes in unison.
6. Reflect on their performance and identify one area of musical growth and one area for future improvement.

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 sing my unison part with correct notes and rhythm from beginning to end.
• I can use clear diction so the audience can understand the text.
• I can show expression with my dynamics, phrasing, and face/body language that fits the song’s style.
• I can follow conductor cues and stay focused on the ensemble from entrance to exit.
• I can describe one way my unison performance has improved during this unit.