Recorder Lesson: John Cena Theme Song (Grades 4–5)

*(this will likely take 2-3 class periods)

I. Attention Grabber

• What is the message of the video? (hustle, loyalty, respect)

• Briefly discuss that while wrestling is not for everyone, there is definitely an artform to it and it takes hard work; there’s a lot to respect about someone who followed his passion.

II. Introduce Song

• Lead a recorder warmup on the four notes that will be used (C BAG) to a hip-hop backbeat
• Play John Cena song and model recorder part (ABGA, CBGA)

• Provide basic playing technique instruction: recorder, xylophone or piano, drums

III. Immerse Students

• Challenge students to “figure out” each part by ear
• Recorder part (ABGA, CBGA)

• Xylophone or piano (AGFE)

• Simplified drums (BT, B-B-B T)

• Facilitate each group, allow them to listen to recording and copy what they hear, provide simple diagrams if needed
• Try with John Cena theme song recording

• Rotate; REPEAT
• Students are placed in groups of 3. Vote on a group leader. Group leader gets 1 xylophone and 1 drum per group. Students try to combine all three parts with the recording. Rotate within group

IV. Final Performance

• Decide as a class on a final form
• Consider adding in improvisation sections between full playing of each song. For example,

• Theme Song
• Xylophone Improvisation
• Theme Song
• Recorder Q & A
• Theme Song
• Tubano Improvisation
• Theme Song
• Individual students “battle” (xylophone and tubano)
• Theme Song, repeat faster and faster to final beat

V. Extend/Vary

• Students create their OWN theme song, they must name the three words that represent their “creed”; like John Cena’s hustle, loyalty, and respect.
• For beginners, keep the same four recorder notes (new order), same two sounds on the tubano (bass and tone) and same four notes on the xylophone (different order)
• Older students may be ready to play with new recorder notes, new drum sounds, and new melodic ostinati
• Share and reflect