World Music Curriculum

Instrument-making residencies are based on the “Origins of Music” curriculum developed by David Stocker, with grant support from the Illinois Arts Council. Students are engaged with three essential questions:

• What is sound?
• Where does music come from?
• Can I play too?

Students learn how sounds were used by ancient peoples to establish a dialogue, both with the world around them and with each other.Working together to build instruments, the students listen to stories and music of our ancestors. Instruments are organized into families of sound vibration.

Activities for the Classroom

Journal, drum circle, listening booth, video and resource, story creation, and sound exploratorium.

Gathering of the Tribes

Students make their own music and rhythm with the instruments they have constructed. Process varies with age of students and available time. Recycled materials are used.