Group Singing Self-Assessment Lesson

Distinguish between quality and non-quality performance
• After watching and listening to a recording of a quality performance, ask students to devise criteria for evaluating performances and compositions as to what makes this a good performance. Students will share their thoughts with teacher and others in the class. Develop a check list or tracking chart using the criteria from the GLE.
• Students will listen to the song “Down By the Riverside” from the “We Live the Dream” collection. Divide students into two groups and assign each group
a part. Learn and practice each part separately. Focus on pitch and rhythmic accuracy and tone quality. Teacher and students will explore the historical origins and culture of the Gospel music. Teach students the pronunciation of the words, focusing on expression and phrasing as well as diction/articulation. Using a Flip video camera the teacher will make a video recording of students’ performance at this point for students to self-assess using the tracking charts and Flip cameras. Compare this recording at a later date to demonstrate their progress.
• Students will practice layering in parts of the song focusing on good blend and balance and part acquisition. Students need to listen for their own part as it blends in with others. Sing songs with parts again, recording the performance. • Teacher leads class discussion of posture and stage presence giving good examples of each. Students will use Flip video cameras to record their classmate’s performance. They will then share the video via LCD projector and speakers giving an assessment of the performance. Students will then switch roles with the singers becoming videographers and vice-versa.