ARTS AND CULTURE
about overcoming “mountains,” or challenges, through determination and love. Motown music was pivotal and popular with people across the world and had a major impact in the Civil Rights Movement. Motown recorded Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches and artists created songs about the rights and social justice of Black people and others. Motown music is still beloved by many people today. MAKE AN ARTS AND CULTURE CONNECTION This lesson encourages students to learn about the cultural impact of Motown. Music is a form of art that is conceptual, spiritual, and deeply meaningful. It combines lyrics/writing, voice, instrumentation, and production to create a dynamic sound. Have students study the image and text on the Life magazine cover and listen closely to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and think about its beats, pitch, meaning, and rhythm. Ask them in what ways they relate to the song and to consider the “mountains” or challenges they have had to overcome through love. Also, share and read the lyrics with students. Help students understand that music is not only for enjoyment, but can also have an impact on justice and social change, with some music relating to protest and civil rights. Encourage them to think about what they already know about music and how it connects to their lives and personal experiences. Invite them to think about how the music they enjoy helps spark joy in their lives. APPLY THE CHRE FRAMEWORK Continue the lesson by asking and discussing the following pursuit-driven questions. IDENTITY: What kind of music do you love to listen to? SKILLS: How does “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” relate to your life and how you overcome challenges? INTELLECT: What is Motown and who are some of the musical artists from this era? CRITICALITY: How do you think Motown music connects to the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and social justice? JOY: Listen to a Motown song other than “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” How does
LESSON AC.8
SUGGESTED NCAS LEARNING STANDARD CONNECTING TO ART: Students will synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. EXTEND THE LESSON •Have students create their own songs by thinking about a message they want to deliver, writing lyrics, beats. From there, have them perform the song for the class or family members. • Encourage students to listen to another Motown song and write a letter to the artist or the artist’s family about what it and coming up with sounds and means to them. •Invite students
it make you feel?
to make a playlist of their favorite motivating songs.
LAYERED TEXTS TO SUPPORT THE LEARNING • Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound by Andrea Davis Pinkney
• Primary sources of Motown music • Album covers of Motown artists • We Are the Supremes by Zoe Tucker • Biographies of Berry Gordy, Jr. and other Motown artists • Songs, lyrics, music videos, and photos of Motown artists
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