Sunny Song Performance

Overview

This 35-minute lesson is designed for a class of 19 first-class students, focusing on the Performing strand of the Irish Primary School Music Curriculum (IE Curriculum). Using the timeless song “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, this lesson aims to develop students’ vocal and rhythmic skills, ensemble awareness, and expressive musicality in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Curriculum Alignment

Strand: Performing
Strand Unit: Singing and Playing
Primary Curriculum Reference:

• Develop the ability to sing songs from memory with accurate pitch and rhythm (Music Curriculum, Performing Strand).
• Demonstrate a clear awareness of pulse and rhythm through voice and body movement.
• Perform with expression and begin to understand phrasing and dynamics.
• Develop awareness of others in ensemble performance, holding their part confidently.

Key Competencies:

• Managing Information and Thinking: Reflect on their own and peers’ performances.
• Communicating: Use voice and instruments to communicate music ideas.
• Being Creative: Interpret a song with expression.

Learning Intentions:

• We are learning to sing “Here Comes the Sun” with clear pitch and rhythm.
• We are learning to perform simple accompaniments using body percussion and classroom percussion instruments.
• We are learning to listen and work together to perform as a group confidently.

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Lesson Details

Duration: 35 minutes
Class Size: 19 students
Age: Approx. 6-7 years (First Class)
Materials Needed:

• Lyrics and printed chorus of "Here Comes the Sun" (large print)
• Simple percussion instruments (hand drums, tambourines, shakers) or body percussion cards
• Audio playback device for the original recording
• Visual aids illustrating the song’s structure (verse, chorus)

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Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Warm-Up & Engagement (5 minutes)

Objective: Prepare voices and bodies for singing and rhythm activities.

• Begin with gentle vocal warm-ups: hum like the sun shining, slide up and down in pitch.
• Introduce a simple body percussion pattern (e.g., clap, snap, pat knees) to establish pulse.
• Engage students by briefly discussing what the sun brings — warmth, happiness, light — linking to how the song feels joyful.

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2. Learn the Chorus Melody (10 minutes)

Objective: Sing the chorus of “Here Comes the Sun” with clear pitch and rhythm.

• Play the chorus section on the audio device, encouraging active listening.
• Teach the chorus line by line, breaking down tricky phrases (e.g., “Here comes the sun”) using call and response.
• Use visual aids with lyrics and simple rhythm notation (e.g., pictures or dots for beats) for support.
• Students sing together, focusing on matching pitch and maintaining steady rhythm.

Assessment: Teacher listens and gently corrects pitch or rhythm, provides positive feedback, and encourages peer support.

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3. Introduce Simple Accompaniment (10 minutes)

Objective: Perform a simple rhythmic accompaniment alongside singing to develop ensemble skills.

• Demonstrate a simple rhythmic pattern on classroom percussion instruments or through body percussion (e.g., “tap-tap, clap, tap”).
• Divide class into small groups:
  • Group 1: sings the chorus
  • Group 2: claps the steady pulse
  • Group 3: plays the body percussion rhythm or instruments
• Rotate roles after one chorus to ensure everyone experiences different parts.
• Practice combining the singing and accompaniment, emphasising listening and timing.

Assessment: Observe students’ ability to keep a steady pulse and coordinate within the group.

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4. Expressive Performance & Reflection (8 minutes)

Objective: Perform the chorus expressively and reflect on the experience.

• Perform as a whole class, focusing on expression: using dynamics (soft/loud), facial expressions, and phrasing (pausing between phrases).
• Allow a few volunteers to lead rhythm or singing parts.
• After performance, engage students in a short reflection:
  • What did they enjoy?
  • How did it feel to sing with friends?
  • Did the music make them feel anything? (Link back to the song’s joyful theme.)

Assessment: Use guided questions to assess understanding of expression and teamwork.

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Extension Ideas (If time permits or for homework)

• Draw or colour a picture inspired by the song’s theme of sunshine and happiness.
• Practice singing the chorus to family members to build confidence.
• Experiment with making up their own short percussion rhythm at home.

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Teacher Tips

• Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in all students, especially those hesitant to sing.
• Adapt percussion parts to suit available resources — body percussion is highly accessible and inclusive.
• Keep energy high and use movement to maintain engagement, especially for young learners.
• Be flexible with pacing; if students pick up the chorus quickly, introduce simple dynamics or phrasing sooner.

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Summary

By the end of this lesson, students will have performed a well-known song from memory, accompanying themselves with simple rhythms, and demonstrated key performing skills aligned with the IE Curriculum’s Performing Strand. The focus on ensemble awareness, expressive singing, and rhythmic accuracy contributes to holistic music education for young learners.