Three+day+version+of+blues+unit

On this page you will find the condensed version of the blues unit. Days one and two are 90 min. block periods. Day three is a 45 min. session.

** //“The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits. It’s better keeping the roots alive, because it means better fruits from now on. The blues are the roots of all American music. As long as American music survives, so will the blues.”// ** - Willie Dixon, Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame member and probably the most accomplished blues songwriter ever.

__ **Blues Unit (three day version) day #1** __

(Note: stuff in red is done by classroom teacher, stuff in black is done by Vincelette)
 * Overview of week - Kids will be reading and writing about a type of American music called the blues. We're doing this because: (1) it's interesting, (2) blues has had a huge impact on American music, (3) the activity will give kids a chance to practice their reading, writing and listening skills on an authentic activity **


 * Students read introductory essay then discuss main ideas with classroom teacher[[file:blues essay from PBS.pdf]] **


 * Presentation on music of the Mississippi Delta, slide guitar, call and response, etc. **

Students given time to write lyrics
 * Explanation of how to use songwriting templates[[file:Blues writing ideas.pdf]] **


 * Mp3 #1 || Mp3 #2 || Mp3 #3 ||
 * media type="file" key="01 sandburg blues 1.mp3" width="240" height="20" || media type="file" key="02 Track 02 2.mp3" || media type="file" key="03 sandburg blues 2 no vocal.mp3" width="240" height="20" ||

If time: read and listen to excerpt from chapter 1 of //The History of the Blues// and work on follow-up questions

[Visit the prezi used during my presentation by clicking here]

_ __ **Blues Unit (three day version) day #2** __


 * Thought that gets things rolling: "The sound of Delta blues seems very different than the sound of modern blues, plus the blues is now known throughout the world instead of in a fairly small region of the United States. How did we get from there to here?" **


 * Demonstration of bending and vibrato, "Let's take a look at the innovator who developed both of these ideas, as well as some other important folks in the history of the blues. " **


 * Students listen to/read BB King article, then go through two rotations of the four station activity. [[file:BB King information from Biography Resource Center.pdf]] **
 * Discussion and demonstration regarding the Great Migration, British Invasion and Electrification. **


 * Students given time to finish songs **

[Today we will be using some of the things posted on Mr. Vincelette's blues glog]

_ __**Blues unit (three day version) day #3**__
 * Performance of (some of the) student songs **