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Brief 4: From Africa to the Caribbean

Create a Caribbean Christmas song or song with a story that could be sung for a Caribbean beach party.

Composing activities

The composition should contain lyrics. It should also have the following musical content:  

• The lyrics can be spoken in rhythm or sung

• An ostinato rhythm with syncopation with African influence

• C chord and G chord

• Both high and low pitch

• Big changes in dynamic with a dramatic silence

Some students will develop a second contrasted section to the composition

  Further composing activities

• Students can sing other pieces from the Caribbean and learn to accompany them.

• The computer, sequencer could be used to provide an ostinato backing. Students could input the rhythm and then use the looping function to support the singing of lyrics.

• Others might go on to create a looped (repeating) melodic or chordal sequence and a backing to their singing.

Helpful activities before attempting the brief

1. African: Learn and perform the 'Palogo' from Ghana.

2. Africa: Learn and perform the Funga from Ghana

3. Africa: The Djembe

4. Caribbean: Learn and perform the Cuban Rhumba.

5. African & Caribbean: Research

Tests

1. Africa: Listening test information

2. Africa: Listening test questions and answers

3. Africa: Group performing test the 'Palogo'

For further information on this project including teachers notes see sales link.

Copyright © 2001 David Hayes

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