Unit Plan 2 (Grade 8 Vocal Music): Healthy Technique & Stamina

Focus: Refine posture, breath support, and resonance for longer phrases, building healthy technique and stamina appropriate for an advanced middle school choir.

Grade Level: 8

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

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

I. Introduction

Students zoom in on the physical side of singing: how they stand, breathe, and shape vowels to create a resonant, sustainable sound. They explore how alignment, low breath, and focused resonance work together to support long phrases without strain. Throughout the week, students experiment with technique in warm-ups and repertoire, then reflect on what helps them maintain healthy vocal stamina across a full rehearsal.

Essential Questions

• What does healthy vocal technique look and feel like in my body when I sing?
• How do posture, breath support, and resonance work together to help me sustain longer phrases?
• How can I tell when my voice is working efficiently versus when I’m starting to push or tire out?
• What daily habits (in rehearsal and outside of class) support my vocal health and stamina over the year?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate aligned singing posture (standing and seated) that supports free breath and resonance.
2. Use low, supported breathing (expansion, controlled release) to sustain tones and phrases with minimal tension.
3. Adjust resonance and vowel shape to create a focused, blended tone across their vocal range.
4. Apply breath planning and technique strategies to sing longer phrases in warm-ups and repertoire without “grabbing” or collapsing.
5. Monitor their own vocal effort and stamina, making adjustments (breath, posture, resonance) to prevent fatigue.
6. Create a short Personal Technique & Stamina Plan that identifies helpful exercises and habits for ongoing vocal health.

Standards Alignment — Grade 8 Vocal Music (custom, NAfME-style)

• VM:Pr4.8a — Demonstrate healthy vocal technique (posture, breath support, resonance, vowel unification) with awareness of vocal range and stamina.
  • Example: Students apply breath planning to sustain longer phrases without tension.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show and explain aligned posture that helps my voice, not fights it.
• I can feel and use low breath support to sustain notes and phrases more comfortably.
• I can adjust my vowel shape and resonance to create a clearer, more blended tone.
• I can mark and use breath plans in my music so long phrases feel manageable.
• I can describe at least one habit or exercise that helps me protect my voice and build stamina.