Download Concept/Concepts: To learn the history of Aaron Copland, who was

Concept/Concepts: To learn the history of Aaron Copland, who was one of America’s famous
composers
Rationale: I want the children to learn the history of Aaron Copland as well as his contribution to
American Folk Music.
Goals and Objectives:
1. Instructional Goals: To teach the history of Aaron Copland who was the composer of HoeDown from Rodeo
2. Objectives/Outcomes: Students will be able to effectively explain the significance of Aaron
Copland and his contribution to American Folk Music.
Strategies/Procedures:
Lesson Intro:
To start off this lesson, the entire class will dance to the song Hoe-Down from Rodeo composed
by Aaron Copland. This is a continuation activity from a previous lesson in this unit.
Note: See Rhythms and Dances for School Age Kids by Susan Kramer
History of Hoe-Down from Rodeo by Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland was born on November 14, 1900 in Brooklyn, New York. He died on December 2,
1990. Mr. Copland was one of America’s most famous composers. Some of his greatest works
are his ballets, which include Billy the Kid, Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring.
When Copeland’s friend, the dance choreographer Agnes De Lille, asked him to write another
cowboy ballet, Copland at first refused. However, De Mille did not give up until Copland finally
agreed to compose the piece which is now titled as: Rodeo. Significantly enough, the music that
he wrote ended up being perfect for a story about a cowgirl who dresses as a cowboy to impress
the head wrangler on a ranch.
Aaron Copland used his folk music to appeal to the general public. His work was intended to
portray American characteristics such as courage, dignity, strength, simplicity, and humor.
Folk Music is music that that comes from the common people of a particular culture. It is music
that is most often passed down orally.
(www.classicsforkids.com)
4. After the history discussion has been completed, encourage student feedback. Ask them what
they think. This may leader to further learning for the students.
5. Once the students have commented on this lesson, the teacher may once again play the piece
Rodeo for the children to lead to both the closure and reinforcement sections of this lesson.
Reinforcement:
Possible Questions for Further Class Discussion/Reinforcement from the piece Rodeo:
What instruments and techniques does Aaron Copland use to make this piece sound
“cowboyish?”
Woodblock (clip clop like a horse running)
The instruments sometimes sound as if they are tuning up, getting ready for a square dance.
Can you think of any other folk tunes by Aaron Copland?
Springfield Mountain, Fanfare for the Common Man, Saturday Night Waltz
Closure:
Instruct the students draw a picture of their favorite instrument from the piece Hoe-Down from
Rodeo by Aaron Copland.
Optional: Teacher may also use this time in order to access what the children have learned. He or
she may do any of the following assessment procedures below.
Assessment:
Materials:
• Hoe-Down from Rodeo composed by Aaron Copland
• Paper, Pencils, Crayons
• CD player
• Optional: Various Books associated with this lesson
Procedures for Assessment:
1. Randomly select students throughout the lesson to answer questions during both the lecture
on this history of Aaron Copland.
2. Listen and Watch the students during both the lecture and discussion periods.
3. Actively engage all students in the conversations.
4. Challenge each child to reach their fullest potential.
5. Listen to the feedback of the students.
6. Grade each child on their effort during the internet research activity.
Materials:
Recordings:
• Hoe Down from Rodeo composed by Aaron Copland
Instruments: none