Gustav Holst's The Planets provide young musicians an opportunity to examine how composers can create a suite: a collection of smaller pieces grouped to explore a single topic. After listening to "Jupiter," they examine "Mars" in detail, figure out the ostinato rhythm pattern, and clap or use hand drums, woodblocks and/or rhythm sticks to perform the rhythm patters as they listen to the music.

Concepts

rhythm, rhythm patterns, classical music, elements of music, music appreciation, music beats, music patterns, music analysis, timbre, star wars

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

visual and performing arts

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• If not included as part of a music course, coordinate the lesson with the school's music teacher
• Begin the lesson by playing Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" and asking class members to draw what the music makes them imagine

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes the instructor has an extensive musical background
• Includes National Core Music Standards and 2012 Ohio Standards
• Designed for grades 5-6 but easily adapted to other grades as well
• An extension asks class members to compare "Mars" with the "Imperial March" from Star Wars

Pros

• The seven-page packet includes a detailed, step-by-step plan, discussion questions, assessments, and extensions

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.5.5 SL.6.5