Lesson
Two: Music and
politics
Reading
Resources:
Key
concepts:
Music is identity,
and identity can be political and cultural
Historical significance of music in politics and cultural change
Eras of particular note:
Napoleon
World War I
World War II
Cuba
Vietnam
Iraq war
South
Africa -apartheid
1.
Using the attached History
of Salsa, and
the journal
entry by Eliana
Marcenaro Golfarb,
find examples
of the various
forms of music
mentioned.
Listen to each
of them as
a group. List
the characteristics
that are the
same and different.
Pay attention
to the following
musical concepts:
Instruments
used
Rhythm
Beat
Type of dance
Melody
Tone
Style
Tempo
Mood
2.
Using graphic organizers such
as Inspiration, see
if the class can trace
the roots of salsa,
and the divergent paths
it took to get to where
it is today.
3. Discussion/research
In small groups, choose a time period in which music played a significant part
in cultural change or reflection. Find three songs/compositions that reflect
this time period. Using these pieces as background, create a photo montage
or slide show that shows the change or crisis that made these musical pieces
powerful.
4.
Personal project
Have
each student identify a musical group/genre/style
that echoes with his/her “essence”. Ask
them to share examples of this type of
music and describe in what ways the different
elements of the music relate to elements
of their own identity. Encourage students
to apply the terminology highlighted
throughout the “¡Sabor!” virtual
exhibition to defend their perspective.
Students must be thorough in their analysis
and must come prepared to answer questions
from their teachers and peers.
Resources
for teachers:
http://id-archserve.ucsb.edu/Music/119A/
http://www.duke.edu/~krs2/PS020A01b.html
http://www.abetterworld.ca/
http://www.nationalreview.com/impromptus/impromptus091503.asp
http://www.x-moto.net/articles/Music_and_politics
http://www.salsa-in-cuba.com/eng/what_is_salsa.html
http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/exhibition.cfm?key=38&exkey=353
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