March 21, 1685: Music and Bach

by Cindy Blevins on 03/15/16

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21, 1685. Play an excerpt of his music during passing period and at the beginning of class. As students enter your room, hand them a sheet of paper with the following questions and instructions:

AS YOU ENTER, find 2-3 other students and answer the following questions (you may use your phone to help you):

1. Who is the composer of this music and what do you know about him?
2. What year do you think this music was written?
3. Why do you think this music was written?
4. If this music were a color, what color would it be? Explain.
5. Complete the following sentence: This music reminds me of --

You can also write these on different colors of paper and students work with others that have the same color. You can then control which students get which color by selectively handing them out as students enter.

After the bell rings and you check roll, go over student answers. This can then be a segue to a writing prompt or a reading selection about Bach.

SUGGESTED EXPOSITORY WRITING PROMPT:

Throughout history, music has played an important role in the lives of humans.

How does the music you listen to influence you? Think carefully about this question.

Write an essay explaining whether music has a more negative or positive influence on young people today.

OTHER WRITING PROMPTS:

1. How is your music similar to or different from your parents or grandparents?
2. Is music import? Explain your answer.
3. Why do you think people still listen to music like Bach that was written in the 1700's?