The songs your family sing!

Homework Project - before you begin, you need to do this:

• Ask a family member to sing one of their special songs they use at a time celebration (wedding songs, favourite songs, car songs, love songs). 

• Record your family member singing it into your phone or into a voice recorder. 

• Email the recording to your school account or Learn how to sing the song.

• Play the recording or sing the song for your class. Explain the meaning of the song to your classmates.

Class work: Share your homework (family song) and listen to your classmates homework projects!!

• In groups, listen to songs collected by your classmates. 

• Do the songs you and your classmates have anything in common, e.g. words, music, style? 

Compile a playlist of some of the songs collected by your classmates. 

1. Explain the similarities and differences between two of the different family celebratory songs they have heard. 

2. Create a mind map: in small groups, list the celebrations you have personally attended that have included music in some way or form. 

Your answers might include: Weddings, Parties, Discos, Religious festivals, School assemblies, Christenings or baptisms, Themed parties, Anniversary parties, Bar and bat mitzvahs, Graduation ceremonies, Balls (social dances), Concerts, Sporting events, Parades etc.

While you are mind mapping celebrations, discuss the following: 

1. How is each event celebrated?

2. Are there any rituals involved?

3. How is it joyful and happy?

4. How is music used within each event to encourage celebration? 

Extension Activity

Write all of your suggestions on a small piece of paper and then place the suggestions in a hat. 

Choose a celebration from the hat to research further, with specific reference to the importance of music within their chosen celebration. Focus on the following key questions: 

1. What type of music is used during this celebration? 

2. Is this music used at other celebrations? 

3. What role does music play? 

4. Does the music continue through the celebration or is it played at specific times within your event? 

5. Are there rituals involved? Is music a part of this? 

6. What do the rituals represent within the celebration?