Music of Your Culture

This project will be in two parts; 1) a written outline and 2) the oral presentation. You will be divided into groups according to your cultural heritage. You will do research as outlined below individually but will present your research to the class as a group. Each person will be responsible for research and presentation of the information below. DO NOT GUESS AT THESE ANSWERS. Do the research. This web page provides links to sites that may contain information to help you with your research. It is not the only place that you can get this information. You can use a search engine to locate more information on the web and the library at school has several resource materials specific to this project. Don't forget that you can use a book!
Your final outline will look just like the outline below but with your answers to the questions inserted. IT MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS. You can NOT copy information from a web page and insert it into your outline.

General Information

I) General Information
    a) Country of origin (more countries of origin) be prepared to point it out on a world map (more maps)
    b) Located on which continent
    c) Major cities including the capitol
                1) City or region where your family comes from
                2) Population of that city or region
    d) Major languages or dialects spoken
    e) Religions practiced
    f) An example of the countries flag in full color (can be attached to the back of the outline)
                1) tell what the symbols and colors mean (can be written in right next to the flag)
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For more information, check out African American Culture Hispanic Cultures, Arabic Cultures, Jewish Culture, East Asian Cultures

Culture

II) Culture
    a) Is the area where your family is from a farming or urban culture?
    b) What is important to this culture? (Religion, music, dance, politics, etc.)
    c) Why is this important to the culture?
    d) How is this reflected in the daily lives of the people?
    e) What are the traditional clothing or jewelry?
    f) What are 3 major holidays or occasions that are celebrated?
    g) What are the special foods and drink associated with these holidays?
    h) What is important for people of other cultures to know about this culture?
    i) Are there any stereotypes or misconceptions that are not true that we should be aware of? (please do not use inappropriate language)

Music

III) Music
    a) What are the special names of the music specific to this culture?
    b) What general style of music is it? (dance, religious, folk or classical)
    c) What are the names of three (3) instruments specific to this country?
    d) How are each played? (for example is it a string instrument strummed by hand, a drum struck with a stick or hand, a wind instrument, etc.)
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Music Examples

IV) Music Examples
Find two (2) different examples of the music from your culture. Each example should be 2-3 minutes long. Your example can be on any format that can be played in class such as CD, cassette tape, record or video. We do not have the ability to play MP3 or MIDI files. One example MUST be of the folk or classical music from your culture (music your grandparents and their parents would have listened to or something even older). One example can be of the popular music listened to by teens IN THAT COUNTRY. You can not use popular music listened to by teens FROM that culture in THIS country (no Madonna, BSB, etc.). Hint: It may sound like music on American radio but it will probably be in the vernacular. Answer the following questions:

A) Folk or Classical Piece
    1) Name of piece
    2) Name of composer (the person who wrote the piece)
    3) Name of the performers (the people who are playing the music on your example)
    4) What is this music used for (dance, religious ritual or for entertainment)? Bring an example of the dance either live or video.
    5) What instruments are being used? Bring a picture of any instruments specific to your country.

B) Contemporary Piece
    1) Name of piece
    2) Name of composer (the person who wrote the piece)
    3) Name of the performers (the people who are playing the music on your example)
    4) What is this music used for (dance, religious ritual or for entertainment)? Bring an example of the dance either live or video.
    5) What instruments are being used? Bring a picture of any instruments specific to your country.

Class Presentation

Use the outline above as a guide for your presentation. Each person will be expected to participate in the presentation. If you simply use this outline and the 2 music examples you will receive a 65. The more interesting your presentation, the higher your grade. Bring pictures, maps, clothes, food, drinks, videos, posters, displays and anything else you feel helps us understand the music and culture of your country. Your presentation may be live, video taped, computer presentation or a combination. You are limited to 15 minutes for your presentation unless otherwise noted by your teacher.
If you bring food or drinks make sure that you have small, individual portions and enough for everyone to have a TASTE (we are not serving meals). You can prepare the food yourself or purchase something prepackaged Please supply napkins, plates, forks, spoons and cups if necessary. Make arrangements with the teacher one day in advance if you need refrigeration. It is suggested that your food be vegetarian and preferably a desert. Make sure that you know all the ingredients in your food. If the ingredients are listed on the package in a language you cannot understand, have someone translate. (Some people may be allergic to some ingredients). Have fun!

created by Barbara Freedman email me!
Forest Hills High School