William Dawson, American Composer/Arranger- Unit Lesson- Black History Month

Item description

Looking for a comprehensive and engaging Black History Month lesson plan for your choir class? Look no further! This unit lesson on the life and music of American composer/arranger, William L. Dawson, is perfect for substitute plans, composer studies or for use during Black History Month.

This unit lesson on the life and music of American composer/arranger, William Dawson contains the following items:

· Biography– A one-page summary of highlights from the life of William Dawson.

· Listening Example Worksheet– This worksheet can be used with the links. It is intended to choose one of the links for each of the four songs. Students will listen and answer questions for each song.

· Listening Example Worksheet Blank Questions– This version of the above referenced worksheet allows teachers to insert questions to personalize for their classes.

· William Dawson Crossword Puzzle- After reading the biography listed above, students will complete the crossword puzzle.

· William Dawson Crossword Puzzle ANSWER KEY– Provides answers to the crossword puzzle. This makes a great sub plan!

· Listening Examples– Four of his most well-known spiritual arrangements are listed. Each of the four songs include 4 different YouTube links to choral performances. Choose from a total of 16 links plus 2 bonus links. (Please note: I do not own the rights to the YouTube links and they may be taken down at any point. Three different choral performance links per song have been provided in case one of the links is unavailable.)

· William Dawson Word Search Puzzle– After reading the biography listed above, students can complete the word search.

· William Dawson Word Search Puzzle ANSWER KEY– Provides answers to the word search.

· Music Compare and Contrast Worksheet– Choose two of the listening examples (either the same or different songs) and listen. Students will compare and contrast the two songs.

This lesson is a perfect way to expose students to the works of a renowned American composer/arranger and to celebrate Black History Month.