Overview/Purpose:
This section will focus on the connection between the chorus and the theme of a song. It will guide students as they work on composing and/or revising a chorus which is memorable and connected to their song’s overall purpose and theme.
Guiding Questions:
- What is the function of a chorus in a song?
- How can I write a chorus that captures my message and has an impact on my audience?
Recommended Time:
2 or more class periods
Common Core State Standards:
Materials:
Copies of previously annotated lyrics
Lesson Design:
- Show the Bandslam video again or remind students of the content. Point out that the Bandslam video begins by talking about the main idea of a song – suggesting that as a listener, you should think about what the songwriter is trying to tell you. A good way to do that is to pay attention to the chorus of a song. This will usually connect to the song’s overall message and purpose.
- Demonstrate this for students by revisiting a song studied as a class, rereading the lyrics and discussing how the chorus is connected to the overall theme and message.
- In partnerships or small groups, students reread lyrics they previously studied, this time specifically to consider how the chorus is connected to the overall message / meaning of the song.
- As a class, discuss what various groups noticed about the role of the chorus in various songs.
- Explain to students that one way to approach songwriting is to begin with a chorus, using the chorus as the foundation of the song overall.
- Using the “Initial Song Brainstorm” you completed from the previous lesson, model how you would begin experimenting writing a chorus for your song.
- Students continue working on song composition, focusing on writing or revising a chorus that has a message and is memorable.
Rock Your World is a program of Creative Visions
Rock Your World is a Program of Creative Visions, a 501(c) (3) organization that supports creative activists - individuals who use the power of media and arts to create positive change in the world.
