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Title:  Pachebel's Canon

Submitted By:  James Berry, North Conway, NH

Objective:  Students will play the 8 chords of Pachebel's Canon directed by the teacher and also with accompaniment by piano or guitar.

National Standards Covered: Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music (2), Reading and notating music (5)

Materials:

- Pachebel Canon Worksheet Handout (download here)

- Several Sets of Tone Chimes, Xylophones, Orff Instruments or Keyboards

- Crayons, Markers, or Pencils

- 6-12 music stands

Procedure:

1. Students are told that they are going to be trying something very difficult in music class, and will have to be very good listeners. (Note: This lesson works with advanced K students and 1st graders)

2. Hand out students the worksheet handout and show students that each number (1-8) has 3 letters below it, and these are the notes that we are going to be playing.

3. Partner students up and give each partner group a letter (A-G). Pass out crayons or whatever you choose to write with and have the students circle only their letters. For example, the C's would circle under 1,3,5,6,7. Explain that even though some groups won't circle their letter as much, everyone is just as important in playing their part.

4. Once students have finished circling their worksheets, set up a music stand for each partner group in a semi circle and have students put their music on their stands facing you. Ask students to raise their hand for each number. For instance, when you say 1 - make sure only the C,E and G groups are raising their hand. Do this for each number to make sure each student understands this concept. Then, explain to them that when they hear their number they are to play their instrument.

5. Pass out instruments - I will explain this using tone chimes since it is what I have used. Explain how even though students are really anxious to play, that playing all at once, doesn't make good music. I usually have the students say their name and play to get the jitters out early on. Then explain rest position, and proper playing technique. This will prevent broken tone chimes and frustration.

6. Have students all wait in rest position. Introduce each number and say Ready-And-1's-Go - and so on for each number. Explain to students that when their number is over that they should dampen the bell. Just initially try to get students to play together after you say Go and go through the progression once.

7. If you are successful with the above, try going through the sequence over and over again.

Assessment/Extension:

            You will be successful with this if you can recognize Pachebel's Canon. The kids absolutely love this lesson and if you really want to push them, accompany them with piano or guitar and see if they can change the chords by using their ear!

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