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Willson & McKee Arts Integrated Residency
   
Willson & McKee
Assembly Curriculum Standards


Goals:
· To provide students an introduction to the Celtic music, instruments and culture through participation
· To promote self esteem with the vehicle of “folk music”, encouraging students to search out their own “folk roots”

Standards which this assembly addresses:
Language Standard 4: Students engage in the speaking and listening process
Social Studies Standard 1: Students understand the nature and scope of history
Standard 6: Students understand geographic elements as applied to social studies
Standard 7: Students understand the importance of culture
Science Standard 2: Students use the process of science inquiry
Standard 4: Students understand the basic concepts and principle of life science
Math Standard 4: Students use concepts and tools of measurement to describe and quantify the world
Music Standard 6: Students listen to, analyze, and describe music
Standard 7: Students evaluate music and music performances
Standard 8: Students understand the relationship between music, the other arts, and other disciplines
Standard 9: Students understand music in relation to history and culture

This is a multi-sensory introduction of Celtic music and culture. The students will experience and participate in songs, dances and stories, pertaining to the Celtic cultures of Ireland and Scotland, as well as immigration connections, and the artists’ modern “American Cultural” influence. They will also learn to identify unusual musical instruments. This assembly will heighten student awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity. Students are asked to investigate their own ancestry and cultural roots, and try to connect the “folk process” for themselves and their heritage.

Activities this assembly includes:
Language Arts:
· recognize folk songs as a form of story-telling
· sharpen listening skills by utilizing “oral traditions” to “pass on” stories and songs
Social Studies:
· introduction to the countries of Ireland/Scotland
· compare Irish/Scottish culture to American culture
· explain how America became known as a “melting pot” of people, and immigration
Science:
· observe the science of sound production of the artists’ instruments
Math:
· learning the basic counting/rhythm of two types of Irish dance tunes
Music:
· recognize the style and mood of Celtic music
· examine the characteristics of folk songs
· explore the association between music/dance and everyday life (example; wool waulking songs of Scotland, sea chanteys, dances that mimic an event or a job)

Follow up:
· Artists provide handouts, at grade appropriate levels, that teachers can use after the assembly. This heightens the assembly experience by helping students to recall the information given. Teacher answer keys provided also.