Opera Musical Theatre Unit Plan
Opera Musical Theatre Unit Plan
Opera Musical Theatre Unit Plan
Essential Question(s):
● How does knowing more about musical theatre and opera help us to become
better musicians?
● How have musical theatre and opera shaped the culture of music?
Unit Question(s):
● How has popular music helped to shape opera/musicals?
● How can we take what we know about music, language, and art and apply it to
our musical/opera?
NCAS Standards:
▪ MU: Pr4 2.4🡪 a) a Explain how understanding the structure and the elements
of music are used in music selected for performance
b) When analyzing selected music, read and identify by name or function
standard symbols for rhythm, pitch, articulation, and dynamics.
● MU: Cr1 1.16🡪 Generate simple rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic phrases
within AB and ABA forms that convey expressive intent
● MU: Cr2 1.6🡪 Select, organize, construct, and document personal musical ideas
for arrangements and compositions within AB or ABA form that demonstrate
an effective beginning, middle, and ending, and convey expressive intent.
● MU: Cr3 2.6🡪 Present the final version of their documented personal
composition or arrangement, using craftsmanship and originality to
demonstrate an effective beginning, middle, and ending, and convey expressive
intent.
● MU: Pr4 2.6🡪 Identify how cultural and historical context inform performances
● MU: Re7 1.6🡪 Identify the context of music from a variety of genres, cultures,
and historical periods
State Standards:
● 5CE Distinguish between and among the use of dynamics, meter, tempo and
tonality in various pieces through active listening.
● 2PR Play a variety of classroom instruments, independently or collaboratively,
with increasingly complex rhythms and melodic phrases.
● 1RE Develop criteria to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of music
performances and compositions including their own.
Academic Language:
Opera: a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and
instrumentalists.
Recitative: a musical monologue that replaces the narrative or dialogue that would be
present otherwise
Musical: a play or movie where singing and dancing play an essential part
Duration of Unit:
● 3 weeks
● Lessons will be taught on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
● Total of 9 lessons
Calendar of Lessons:
Lesson 1: Musical Theatre
● Students will engage in a lecture and discussion about musical theatre.
● Students will watch several YouTube videos
o Three Examples
▪ Wicked
▪ Phantom of the Opera
▪ Hamilton
Lesson 2: Musical theatre
● Students will complete a worksheet about the history of Musical Theatre and its
characteristics in the computer lab.
Lesson 3: Opera
● Students will engage in a lecture and discussion about opera
● Students will watch several YouTube videos
o One informational
o Three examples
▪ Le Nozze Di Figaro
▪ Porgy and Bess
▪ La boheme
Lesson 4: Opera
● Students will complete a worksheet about the history of Opera and its
characteristics in the computer lab