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This activity offers learners an opportunity to listen to an small chamber ensemble work entitled, Black is the Earth: Ice, by composer Adele O’Dwyer. Exposure to the instrumental sounds of this chamber ensemble of accordion, violin, cello, and percussion opens up new instrumental timbres and playing styles which can be explored in more depth in future activities.

Teacher Guide 

COVER IMAGE

Learning Experience: Listen and Enjoy (audio)

Learning Experience: Listen and Enjoy (video)

Listen and Enjoy (audio)

This activity uses a performance of Black is the Earth: Ice by a small chamber ensemble of accordion, violin, cello, and percussion accompanied by visuals as the inspiration for the creation of something new. Each learner will make a music journal entry page by creating a personal response to the music. This can take the form of a drawing, a story, a poem, a collage, or any other form of creative response that can be recorded on paper. In future activities, learners will explore other ways to response creatively that require different recording mechanisms. For now, this is a simple start, one that all learners can engage in without technical complications.

Music Journal Entry For Print

Create Music Journal Entry

This activity offers learners an opportunity to listen to an small chamber ensemble work entitled, Black is the Earth: Ice, by composer Adele O’Dwyer accompanied by evocative imagery to inspire viewers.. Exposure to the instrumental sounds of this chamber ensemble of accordion, violin, cello, and percussion opens up new instrumental timbres and playing styles which can be explored in more depth in future activities.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Listen and Enjoy (video)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/32382/watch?lesson_id=566834" style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Member? Get Started!</a><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Description<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">In this unit, learners are introduced to the captivating chamber ensemble work “Ice” from the larger composition called "Black is the Earth". This activity provides a rich auditory experience through a unique combination of instruments, including accordion, violin, cello, and percussion. By listening to this piece, children are exposed to new sounds and timbres, which can enrich their understanding of music.<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">The initial activity encourages active listening and discussion about the title “Ice.” As learners engage with the music, they are prompted to share their thoughts and feelings, helping them connect emotionally with the piece. This interaction nurtures their ability to articulate ideas, enhancing their communication skills.<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Following this, learners create personal journal entries inspired by the music. This creative expression could take the form of drawings, stories, or poems, allowing children to reflect on their listening experience and express their individuality. By integrating music with creative arts, this module supports holistic childhood development, encouraging imagination and self-expression while reinforcing important listening skills.<h3 id="da932af9-c036-40cf-9edb-59cad1f9cc14" data-toc-id="da932af9-c036-40cf-9edb-59cad1f9cc14" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Learning Outcomes</h3><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Upon mastery of this module, learners will be able to:<ul><li><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">express their thoughts and feelings in their own words</li><li><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">actively listen to and identify a variety of sounds produced by the chamber ensemble</li><li><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">describe musical elements that resonate with the concept of 'ice’</li><li><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">create unique artistic responses based on their musical experience</li><li><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">collaborate and share creative work with peers, fostering a sense of community</li></ul><h3 id="88edd259-13ba-4aa1-9f94-13541540afcc" data-toc-id="88edd259-13ba-4aa1-9f94-13541540afcc" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;">Notes and Tips</h3><p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Active Listening: Encourage students to listen attentively, perhaps with their eyes closed, to enhance their imaginative responses.<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Discussion:&nbsp;Use open-ended questions about the title and its relation to the music to spark conversation and deeper understanding.<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Creative Expression: Allow flexibility in how students respond creatively, emphasizing that there are no wrong answers in art.<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Presentation: Encourage learners to share their journal entries, promoting confidence and communication skills within a supportive classroom environment.<p style="margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/32382/watch?lesson_id=566834" style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Member? Get Started!</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/paywall" style="background-color: black; color: rgb(106, 252, 194); padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Not a Member? Join Today!</a>

This engaging module invites early-stage learners to explore and respond creatively to the music piece "Black is the Earth: Ice" by Adele O’Dwyer, fostering their listening skills and personal expression.

Course content

Ice: Gathering Experience

Róisín Byrne