Final Performance Fun

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 1
Subject: Music
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Unit Title: Percussion Playtime Fun (Lesson 10 of 10)
Lesson Title: Final Performance and Reflection
Curriculum Area: The Arts – Music, Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0)
Strand: Exploring and Responding / Developing Practices and Skills / Presenting and Performing
Content Descriptions:

• AC9AMU1P01: Use voice, instruments and movement to explore and experiment with music elements
• AC9AMU1P03: Rehearse and perform music individually and with others, incorporating elements of music
• AC9AMU1E01: Describe their own and others’ music, making connections to personal experience.

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• WALT perform our percussion ensemble as part of a group.
• WALT listen to others’ performances and give kind, specific feedback.
• WALT reflect on what we enjoyed and learned from our percussion unit.

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Success Criteria

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• ✅ Confidently play their part in the class percussion performance.
• ✅ Listen respectfully to others during performances.
• ✅ Express personal reflections using full sentences (spoken or written).
• ✅ Identify something they have learned or improved during this unit.

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Resources Required

• Class percussion instruments (e.g., tambourines, maracas, rhythm sticks, guiros, triangles)
• ‘Concert space’ set-up (floor area or cleared classroom space for performing)
• Sound system or speaker (if using backing tracks)
• Student reflection booklets or printed reflection templates
• “I loved playing…” sentence starters on the board
• Stickers or stamps for performer feedback
• Visual timer (to manage groups and transitions)
• Differentiation tools: picture icons, visual cue cards, extra adults/support aids

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Lesson Breakdown (45 minutes)

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Activity: Musical Echo Game

• Teacher plays short body percussion patterns or taps on different instruments.
• Students echo the pattern as a group.
• Keep rhythms fun and engaging – use holiday seasons or weather themes (e.g. “drip-drip-splash” for rain sounds).

Purpose: Settle students, re-engage focus, and start working together musically.

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2. Performance Preparation (10 minutes)

Activity: Final Rehearsal

• Review performance order.
• Revisit performance expectations using a poster: “Eyes on conductor”, “Play to the beat”, “Have fun!”
• Go over any rhythm sections students were unsure of in the last rehearsal.

Tip: Nominate a conductor from the class if appropriate – students love taking the lead here!

Differentiation:

• Visual cards showing ‘when to play’ and ‘when to stop’ for students needing extra help.
• Assign simplified instrumental roles (e.g., single beaters or shaker rhythm only) for students needing less complexity.
• Allow advanced learners to lead a rehearsal section or conduct a rhythm pattern.

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3. Class Performance (15 minutes)

Activity: Classroom Concert

• Students perform their percussion arrangement in small ensembles or full class, depending on your structure.
• Audience students give silent applause using jazz hands (taught prior) for accessibility and engagement.
• Teacher announces each group to create a celebratory, vibrant concert vibe.

Extension: Use backing tracks or a class favourite song as a base rhythm.

Circle of Applause: After each performance, audience shares one thing they liked (“I liked the eggs shakers because they were soft and bouncy!”)

Positive reinforcement: Use a “Performer of the Day” stamp/award to celebrate participation.

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4. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

Activity: My Percussion Story

• Each student completes a mini-reflection in their music booklet or using a shared class anchor chart.
• Sentence starters:
  • “My favourite instrument was…”
  • “I got better at…”
  • “Next time I’d like to try…”

Teacher role: Scribe for EAL/D and early writers who require support expressing reflections.

Differentiation:

• Provide pictures of instruments to cut and paste for reflections.
• Peer support – pair verbal and non-verbal learners to talk about what they enjoyed first.
• Record voice notes for students who need an oral reflection method.

Extension Activity: Invite advanced students to draw a simple 'graphic score' (using symbols or colours) of their rhythm pattern performed today.

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5. Wrap Up and Celebration (5 minutes)

Activity: Class Celebration Circle

• Sit in a circle, pass an instrument around (e.g., maraca).
• As students hold it, they say one word they associate with music/percussion this term (e.g., “happy!”, “boom”, “teamwork”).

Teacher prompt: “Let’s celebrate what we’ve learned. Share one musical word that makes you smile.”

Conclude: Award a printed 'Percussion Star' certificate to each child to acknowledge participation over the 10-week unit.

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Assessment Opportunities

Teachers will assess:

• Ensemble skills (rhythm, timing, listening)
• Participation and focus during performances
• Reflective responses for personal learning growth
• Social and collaborative engagement during group performance

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Reflection & Teacher Notes

Post-Lesson Reflection Prompts:

• Which students demonstrated musical growth or confidence today?
• Did all students experience a sense of achievement? Who might need follow-up next term?
• How did differentiated supports impact engagement?
• What would I adapt for the next unit?

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Links to General Capabilities

• Critical and Creative Thinking: Reflecting on own contribution and musical decisions
• Personal and Social Capability: Working collaboratively, offering positive feedback
• Literacy: Using verbal and written language to express personal experiences
• Intercultural Understanding: Appreciation of group diversity in music-making preferences

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Wow Factor: Creative Flourishes

• Use fairy lights or a special scarf to mark the “stage” space for performances
• Mini “VIP” passes for performers can be worn with lanyards
• Record the ensemble and upload to a secure classroom management app or ClassDojo for parent sharing
• Use a simple emoji voting chart after each group (“I LOVED it!” 😃 “Great teamwork!” 👏 “Amazing rhythms!” 🥁)

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Let the final lesson celebrate the joy of music-making and give every student the moment to shine!