In this lesson plan students will demonstrate an understanding about the origin of the “Mariachis” (musical group). Students will learn which instruments they use for performing their music. They will learn that they play songs for birthday celebrations, parties, weddings, serenades etc. Students will view images of their suits.
Created by Ma. Eugenia Avila, November 2007
Note: meets Mexico education standards
Students will read all the information about the history of the mariachi. They will hear the music and share their emotions and feelings when they hear different songs. Even if they don’t understand all the meaning of the lyrics, they could share their enthusiasm and what kind of emotion they feel when they hear it.
First, they could cover their eyes using a scarf or closing their eyes, and move with the rhythm of the music. Then, they could imagine what kind of drawing they want to create. Next, give them a piece of paper and they will be ready to draw, of course while hearing the music and transferring their emotion in colors and pictures. It’s not necessary for them to make faces, landscapes, etc. They could even only use colors. Let them be free.
Once the assignment is completed, share their drawings with the classroom and tell about the emotions and feelings each drawing has, and let the students write a title for their drawing.
Students will write a paragraph about the origin, history and instruments of the Mariachis using the resources of the information they have in this project. The best ones will be part of their exposition of drawings.
Students can incorporate their drawings into an exposition in school, based on the history of the mariachis using the drawings and music.
Mariachis Powerpoint Mariachis on TIDES What is Mariachi? on Mexico Connect Historia del Mariachi on Mariachi Perla de México (information in Spanish with music, calendar, pictures, instruments, video links)
CD player
Variety of CD’s of Mexican Mariachi music and songs or
Music online:
Art paper
Charcoal pencil
Pastels
