Music Theory ICARE Lesson Plan
Incorporating Six Hats and Technology
Cross-curricular
Abby Hostetter – Music Instructor
Objectives:
1. To incorporate theory skills learned thus far in composition- song writing.
2. To study the concept of ‘word painting’ through specific examples found in poetry by Emily
Dickinson set to music by Aaron Copland.
3. To incorporate use of music software in composition process.
Duration of lesson: 3 ½ weeks
Materials:
1. Theory books
2. Word painting worksheet- poems by Emily Dickinson (see at the end, last page)
3. CD recording of works by Aaron Copland
4. Electronic keyboards and staff paper
5. Encore computer software
Day 1
1. Hand out worksheet.
a. Discuss definition of ‘word painting’
b. Give brief historical overview of Emily Dickinson (poet) and Aaron Copland (20th century
composer)- (Tie to English; Music History)
c. Have students read through poems and highlight words that could be used for word
painting. (white; red; blue hats)
Day 2
1. Finish worksheet
a. Have students brainstorm different ways to express the meaning of these specific words
through application of music theory practices to composition. (red; orange; yellow; blue
hats)
b. Listen to Aaron Copland’s musical interpretations of these poems and discuss. (red;
orange hats)
2. Hand out Composition #10 assignment- song-writing.
Day 3
1. Go to Media Center do find a poem for song composition.
2. Research author of poem. (Tie to English)
Day 4
1. Discuss meter and its tie to rhythm. (Tie to English)
2. Begin working on composition using keyboards and staff paper. (green hat)
Day 5-11
1. Continue working on composition. (green hat)
Day 12
1. Hand out worksheet explaining Encore software use.
2. Sign up to use computer.
Day 13-18
1. Have students take turns inputting composition into Encore program. (Tie to technology; (green
hat)
2. Print off final copy.
Day 19
1. Have students listen to and evaluate each other’s compositions using composition critique
format. (red; orange; blue hats)
*This lesson is done in conjunction with other theory/history assignments.
See worksheet on next page
Word Painting Exercise
1- What is word painting?
2- What are some techniques used for word painting? Dynamics, tempo, chords?
The following are selections from one of Aaron Copland’s song cycles. A song cycle is a group of
songs with a unifying theme. In this case, all of the songs are composed using poems by Emily
Dickinson for lyrics. The songs are set for mezzo- soprano and piano.
Directions: Go through the lyrics and highlight words you think could be emphasized through word
painting. Try to come up with examples. Then try to think of what the overall effect, message or
mood of the poem might be?
Why do they shut me out of heaven?
Why do they shut me out of heaven?
Did I sing too loud?
But I can sing a little minor—timid as a bird.
Wouldn’t the angels try me just once more?
Just see if I troubled them—but don’t shut the door!
Oh if I were the gentlemen in the white robe,
And they were the little hand that knocked—
Could I forbid?
There came a wind like a bugle
There came a wind like a bugle!
It quivered through the grass.
And a green chill upon the heat so ominous did pass.
We barred the windows and the doors as from an emerald ghost.
The doom’s electric moccasin that very instant passed-On a strange mob of panting trees and fences led away.
And rivers where the houses ran, the living looked that day.
The bell within the steeple wild, their flying tidings whirled.
How much can come and much can go, and yet abide the world!
Heart, we will forget him!
Heart, we will forget him—
You and I tonight.
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.
When you are done, pray tell me that I my thoughts may dim.
Haste! Lest while you’re lagging, I may remember him.