|
|
  
|
In the era of hippies, social protest, and experimentation, three musical virtuosos forever transformed the landscape of rock 'n' roll. Calling themselves Cream -- as in "cream of the crop," Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton dominated the charts between 1966 and 1968 and influenced the rock and heavy metal era to come. They combined different musical styles, like blues and psychedelia, in electrifying, extended live jams and studio sessions that brought out each musician's virtuosity. In May 2005, Cream returned to London's Royal Albert Hall, 37 years after performing their final show at the venue, for four sold-out concerts. This program highlights the best moments from that event. Through activities in this lesson, students will distinguish between two styles of music, construct a definition of "genius" and describe its characteristics, critically analyze and evaluate quotations, and conduct research and present the results.
Time Allotment:
Five (5) class periods
Subject Matter:
The Arts, English/Language Arts
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
1. Tap prior knowledge and build background through music.
2. Form and express personal opinions through analysis of quotations.
3. Research and present information.
4. Engage in critical thinking before and after viewing the program.
5. Synthesize information to create a project.
6. Work in groups for critical evaluation.
7. Role-play to foster insight and understanding.
Materials:
Copy of CREAM REUNION CONCERT
Giant Post-It pad or sheets of poster paper
Markers
Prep for Teachers:
Prior to teaching the lesson, record the broadcast of the CREAM REUNION CONCERT (check local listings to determine if and when the program will air in your state), bookmark the Web sites used in the lesson on each computer, and download the RealPlayer plug-in. Print out and make copies of the related student handouts: Quotation Sheet (cut into strips), Blues/Psychedelia Organizer, Song Organizer, and Subject Organizer.
Bookmark the following sites:
Blues and Psychedelia
http://art4children.com/DAWN/blues.html
http://www.bluehoney.org/Cybertrip01.htm
Cream Reunion and Song Lyrics
http://www.cream2005.com/
http://www.eric-clapton.co.uk/ecla/titles.html
History of Cream
http://www.jackbruce.com/cream/story.htm
http://www.music.com/group/cream/1/
http://www.cream2005.com/photogallery.lasso
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream_(band)
Eric Clapton
http://www.ericclapton.com/
http://www.whereseric.com/
http://www.rollingstone.com/artist/_/id/43228?pageid=rs.ArtistBio&pageregion=nav
Jack Bruce
http://www.jackbruce.com/
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/bruce_jack/artist.jhtml
Ginger Baker
http://www.ginger-baker.com/
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Ginger_Baker.html
STANDARDS:
English/Language Arts
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
http://www.ncte.org/about/over/standards/110846.htm
Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
Music
Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Standard.asp?SubjectID=11
Understands the relationship between music, history, and culture.
Art Connections
Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=9&StandardID=1
Knows how characteristics of the arts vary within a particular historical period or style and how these characteristics relate to ideas, issues, or themes in other disciplines.
Working with Others
Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/Benchmark.asp?SubjectID=22&StandardID=1
Contributes to the overall effort of a group.
This lesson was prepared by Janine Polla Werner.
| |
|
 |
| |
Top banner photo: Cast from the Met Opera's production of "The Barber of Seville."
Visit PBS Teachers
|
|
|
|
