Arirang

Lesson 8

Teaching Artist: Ruaridh Pattison

SUMMARY

This is the eighth lesson of Recorders Without Borders, where students will build upon their recorder playing skills. Students will explore music from Korea, then perform “Arirang” as a class to share with peers, friends, and family.

OBJECTIVE

  • Summarize important information about Korean music.

  • Set up, hold, and make a sound on the recorder.

  • Play the notes “High D,” “B,” “A,” “G,” “Low E,” and “Low D” on the recorder.

  • Perform “Arirang” for an audience.

MATERIALS

TEACHER BACKGROUND

This lesson was designed for two full classes/school periods. Teachers can amend the lesson duration to meet student needs, abilities, and accommodate class schedules.

EXPLORE

  1. Introduce students to South Korea by exploring the Map of South Korea. Allow students to observe the map of South Korea, then scroll and zoom to find the geographical location of your classroom in relation to South Korea. Ask students to identify neighboring countries on the Asian continent, pausing occasionally to ask questions: Where is the country South Korea located on the map? Where is the continent of Asia on the map? What do you know about South Korea in relation to our location? 

  2. Introduce students to Korean music by playing these recordings:

  3. Tell students the songs were performed by a number of musical instruments. Ask: What sounds or instruments did you recognize? Can you name these instruments? (Flute, drum)

  4. Explain that they heard a type of traditional Korean drum called a Janggu, and two different types of traditional Korean flutes; a Dan-So and a Daegeum. Ask: Can you name a similarity between the Dan-So and Daegeum? Can you name a difference between the Dan-So and the recorder? They are both types of flutes and are played using the breath and the hands. The Dan-So and Daegeum are played horizontally, while the recorder is played vertically. Have students pantomime playing the Dan-So, then the Daegeum, and lastly the recorder, noting the similarities and differences between the act of playing each instrument. 

LEARN

  1. Have students set up their recorders. If a student is using an adaptive tool or instrument, please follow the instructions accompanied with the product.

  2. Review the three recorder positions: Resting Position, Ready Position, and Playing Position. 

  3. Remind students that when playing the recorder, they should blow gently into the instrument! On the lowest notes of the recorder, we want a slow airstream. Have students blow cool air over the palm of their hand and imagine cooling down a cup of hot soup without spilling it. Then, have students whisper “hahhh” onto the palm of their hand, and note that the airstream feels warm. Imagining that airstream, have students play a “Low D” with a beautiful, soft sound.

  4. Divide students into two groups. One group stays quiet, while the other group holds a steady rhythm by patting open palms on their thighs. The second group is playing the opening rhythm of Arirang (one dotted quarter note, followed by three eighth notes) on a “Low D.” Remind students to play with a warm, slow airstream and whisper a gentle “du” to create the rhythm. Students play this rhythm continuously (in music we call this “looping”). The groups will switch roles when the recorder-players are comfortable with the rhythm.

  5. Use the above game to check that each student is holding their recorder with proper technique, with their left hand on top, and right thumb supporting the bottom of the recorder in the correct position. Covering all the holes properly is especially important in producing a “Low D” with a full tone.

  6. Ask students to demonstrate the fingers for the notes “High D,” “B,” “A,” “G,” “E,” and “Low D.” If necessary, replay the videos How to Play the Note “High D,” How to Play the Note “B,” How to Play the Note “A,” How to Play the Note “G,” How to Play the Note “Low E,” and How to Play the Note “Low D,” pausing when appropriate to make sure each student has their correct fingers sealing the topmost holes of the recorder’s body, and their right thumb supporting the bottom half in the correct position. Remind students of the “Cheerio” test: press the correct fingers into the holes of the recorder, then inspect the fingertips to see whether “Cheerios” have developed on the pads of the fingers. 

    Note: Playing the above notes (Low D, Low E, G, A, B, and High D) will produce a pentatonic scale, which is a five-note scale that is frequently used in Korean (and many other East Asian countries’) music.

  7. Optional: Review the previously learned songs by viewing Learn Ala De'Lona and Learn Homecoming. They can then perform with the backing tracks using the following links:

    (Backing Track)  Songs to Play: Ala De'Lona

    (Backing Track) Songs to Play: Homecoming.

  8. Tell the students they are now ready to learn their next song on the recorder: a traditional Korean song called “Arirang.” Play the video Learn Arirang. Pause as necessary to ensure each student is building confidence playing the recorder, and their new song. Repeat any of the above steps as necessary to reinforce understanding and develop routine skills for future lessons. 

PERFORM+SHARE

  1. Once students have participated in the entirety of the Learn Arirang video, and are comfortable with each of the above steps, tell them they are ready to perform their next song on the recorder. Prepare students to be in “playing position” with correct technique, then play the backing track video Songs to Play: Arirang.

  2. Record a video or audio version of your students’ performance, then upload it to the S'Cool Sounds Padlet.