
Recorder Lesson: John Cena Theme Song
Posted September 12, 2019by
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
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