The month of May has many possible lessons to be taught but it is also near the end of the school year, you need something that is totally engaging and completely captivating for your students. Space has just what you are looking for! It sounds totally cliche, but the possibilities are literally endless. These are the best lessons for early years music in May.
1) John Williams
John Williams. . . aka “the guy who wrote Star Wars Music” is always a big hit with students. There are many things to discuss with John Williams- his musical life as a composer, his role as a composer in many famous movies, his life as a conductor, and much more.
Here is a video of stormtroopers joining him on stage as he conducts the theme being played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
John Williams also wrote music for Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, so many more. It would be interesting to do a comparison and analysis of his different scores. . .
2) Gustav Holst
Spoiler alert: John Williams didn’t actually fully write the song used in Star Wars. He borrowed the idea from another composer named Holst who had written a symphony for the planets. Each planet is given its own theme. As it turns out, John Williams borrowed the theme for “Mars”. Have your students listen to “Mars” and see if they can spot the parts that John Williams had borrowed. Check out Holst’s symphony here.
3) Sound Waves
Speaking of planets, NASA put out a video that contains all of the sound vibrations from each planet. Review the concept of sound waves with your class then describe a planet. Have your students hypothesize what planets may sound like in space. Then check out this video and see if they were right! Maybe this is how Holst determined how his music should sound?
4) NASA- Space Jam
Another interesting feature NASA has released is a musical solar system. You read that right- musical solar system. This one is a little more science-y as it incorporates basic computer coding. It supplies instructions and guide videos to help you along. By the end of the activity, you have created a solar system that triggers sounds with each movement. Think Chrome Lab but instead of colors. . . SPACE!
Check it out here: https://chandra.si.edu/sound/code
5) Color-By-Rhythm Worksheets
Take a look at these color-by-rhythm worksheets that offer a composition component. Have students practice rhythm recognition as well as composition! This pack contains four worksheets of varying levels for early years music students.
6) Piano Guys
Running with the Star Wars theme, check out this music video by the Piano Guys. It is such a crowd favorite and probably one of the most requested videos. The spoof uses the John Williams theme with two cellos. Darth Vader makes a surprise visit with a hilarious instrument as well. This is a fun video to slide into your instrument family unit.
May can be a pretty tough month as the last or second last month of the school year. You can do this- May the Fourth be with you!