Try some storytelling with your primary students. Two resources that I just do not do without are Troubadour's Storybag edited by Norma J. Livo, and The Singing Sack, edited by Helen East. Both of these books contain compilations of folk stories from all around the world. In particular, the Singing Sack includes a tape which is cued for each time a particular song comes up in a story. If the song is repeated, you don't have to keep rewinding trying to find it. Throw in some drums, some acting, and sound effects, and you have a fun, full class session.
Use instruments and voice play with children's literature based on African tales, too! One that's sure to be a hit with the kids is Traveling to Tondo, based on a tale from Zaire. Students will love the forlorn tale of the lovesick civet cat, on his way to marry his beloved...traveling companions in tow....with a few interesting delays along the way. With the primary students, this story is a super way to practice vocal inflections, dynamics, and expression. The intermediate ages can add instruments that imitate the "moving" sounds of each character.
For an excellent Internet resource on African music, try the African Music Encyclopedia site. Along with brilliant photos that would be perfect to download and print for display, this site includes an index by country, and links leading to popular music groups of the area. Keep this resource handy, because there are also links to Caribbean countries. What a great way to show the connection between this area and African cultures! Print out the glossary for definitions of different styles of African music.
What's Mbira? Find out at the Mbira Page. We know Mbira as "thumb pianos", but did you know there were actually several different kinds? Use this site as research for the instrument before you demonstrate it in class. Mbiras are available through a variety of sources, including Music in Motion.
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