Note To The Educator:
Hello! Thank you for utilizing the National Museum of African American Music’s From Nothing to Something (FN2S) Activity Sheets. We hope that through this material, you will introduce your students to the wondrous world of music and the joy it brings.
The cultural memories of family traditions, food, arts, crafts, religious expressions, and music- making all survived within the minds of the Africans who were brought to the Americas. The traditions of creating instruments and music were continued in America through objects found in nature or homes, and survived long after slavery ended, to this present day.
These activity sheets have been developed to assist and enhance NMAAM’s FN2S program. FN2S provides a lens through which to view the historical and cultural significance of instruments/ expressive techniques used/created by African Americans. Subjects include, the Spoons, Cigar Box Guitar, Harmonica, Lyrics, Banjo, Rhythm & Drums, and Washtub Bass. Though the lessons within this packet have been designed primarily for use by students in grades 3-5 and 6-8, many of these activities can be done by younger students with additional support from adults. Together, we can provide participants with:
- An increased knowledge of the history of music genres and instruments, specifically those produced/popularized by African Americans. Tamar Smithers - Expanded creative and analytical thinking skills through the emphasis of how people can use Director of Education and homemade items for music creation. Public Programs - An understanding of how instruments and cultures helped influence the different genres of music. - A holistic understanding of the cultural and historical significance of African American innovation.
TEACHERS CORNER
Objective: Students will be able to distinguish the sound of the Wash Tub Bass compared to the Acoustic Bass and Electric Bass.
Core Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.2- Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.3- Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7- Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
Links to Reference https://youtu.be/CpOHiWmuETA https://youtu.be/7aCeY5VPUms https://youtu.be/mKpkKhsudqo https://youtu.be/Ggoa6pSdzUg
Lesson Description: In this lesson students will be comparing the sounds of the various types of guitars including the Wash Tub Bass, Four String Washtub Bass, Acoustic Bass Guitar, and Electric Guitar.
Lesson Set: • Students will be examining the various types of guitars to determine how the Wash Tub Bass compares. • Students will need to be either placed in listening centers or given their own set of headphones and a computer or tablet to listen to the links provided. (The links have been screened but make sure to test links out before assigning them to students). • Students will listen to each link and complete the chart based on what they heard. • Students will then research the genre of music that uses the particular guitar the most and famous African American artist that play the guitar. • The purpose of this activity is for students to be able to distinguish the sound of the Wash Tub Bass in comparison to the other types of guitar. Name______Date:______
Directions: Take a look at the video links provided on the various types of bass guitars and their sounds below. Complete each section of the chart on the basses sound, the genre it belongs to, and how it compares to the traditional Washtub Bass.
Traditional (One String) Wash Tub Bass Four String Washtub Bass Acoustic Bass Guitar Electric Guitar https://youtu.be/CpOHiWmuETA https://youtu.be/7aCeY5VPUms https://youtu.be/Ggoa6pSdzUg https://youtu.be/mKpkKhsudqo
How does the sound compare to the TYPE OF GUITAR DESCRIBE ITS SOUND GENRE OF MUSIC tradional wash tub bass?
Traditional (One String) Wash Tub Bass
Four String Washtub Bass
Acoustic Bass Guitar
Electric Guitar TEACHERS CORNER
Objective: The objective of this lesson is for students to see how items that may appear to be trash can be used to create musical instruments.
Core Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7-Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing mean- ingful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
Vocabulary: Wash Tub or Gut Bucket Handle (Broomstick or pool) String Resonator
Links to Reference https://youtu.be/CpOHiWmuETA https://youtu.be/7aCeY5VPUms https://youtu.be/mKpkKhsudqo https://youtu.be/Ggoa6pSdzUg
Lesson Description: The purpose of this lesson is for students to determine how different parts come together to create an instrument. Students will also be challenged to figure out what other item could be used instead of the vocabulary word and serve the same purpose on the instrument.
Lesson Set: • This lesson will focus on the vocabulary words associated with the Wash Tub Bass and their multiple meanings. • Begin this lesson by watching the Ada’s Violin video (link above). • After viewing Ada’s Violin, engage students in a discussion focused on having a strong desire to learn how to play an instrument at all cost. The discussion may have to start with you simply discussing what students enjoy and at what cost would they pay to enjoy their hobby. • Next have students pick out the parts of Ada’s violin from the video. What were their uses? • Fill out the handout below on the parts needed to build Ada’s violin vs those needed for a Washtub Bass. Allow students time to look up the meanings of these parts if necessary. Name______Date:______
Something From Nothing: Parts of the Wash Tub Bass
Directions: Watch Ada’s Violin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyYpq0PRJhw Explain the role each item plays in the function of Ada’s Violin. Compare your findings to the parts of a Wash Tub Bass and their function. Can you think of another item that could be used in building these instruments?
Ada’s Violin: WHAT IS ITS ROLE ON WHAT COULD YOU ITEM/VOCAB TERM WHAT’S IT ORIGINAL USE? ADA’S VIOLIN? SUBSTITUTE IT FOR?
Wash Tub Bass: WHAT IS ITS ROLE ON THE WHAT COULD YOU ITEM/VOCAB TERM WHAT’S IT ORIGINAL USE? WASH TUB BASS? SUBSTITUTE IT FOR?
Wash Tub or Gut Bucket
Handle (Broomstick or Pool)
String
Resonator Name______Date:______
Directions: : Find a picture of a Wash Tub Bass online and try to draw it yourself. Label each of its parts and its use. TEACHERS CORNER
Objective: Students will be able to select items to build their own Wash Tub Bass and compare its sound to other types of basses.
Core Standards: NCAS.CR.1- Generate and conceptualists artistic ideas and work. NCAS.PR.4- Analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation. CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.6- Attend to precision. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4- Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Wash Tub Bass Parts: Resonator Handle (Broomstick or pole) Wash Tub String
Materials Needed: Glue String Tape Basic Crafting Supplies to Assist Students
Links to Reference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyYpq0PRJhw
Lesson Description: The purpose of this lesson is to allow students to create their own Wash Tub Bass from items they either find or have at home. Challenge students to find items that are not typically used to make a Wash Tub Bass but can serve the same function.
Essential Question Does a person have more pride in something they created by hand versus an item they bought with money?
Lesson Set: • Revisit Ada’s Violin (video) with students and have them recall what happened in the story. • Explain to students that they will be creating their own version of the Wash Tub Bass using items they have at home or things they find. • Challenge students to only use those items that would be thrown away or considered trash to others. Take a day to allow students to build their instrument. • Give students their Student Handout so they can explain what materials they used and why they chose the particular item. Name______Date:______
Try It Yourself: Building the Wash Tub Bass
Directions: 1. Make your own Wash Tub Bass from the items provided or materials you have at home. 2. Complete the questions below based on your Wash Tub Bass.
1. What did you use as your washtub? Why?
2. What did you use for your handle? Why?
3. What type of string did you use and why? Did you try and other types of string?
4. How did you hold your string in place?
5. What did you use as a pole? Can it be moved or did you stick it to the Wash Tub Bass?
TYPE OF BASS HOW DID THE SOUND AND STYLE OF YOUR WASH TUB COMPARE TO A
Traditional (One String) Wash Tub Bass
Four String Washtub Bass
Acoustic Bass Guitar
Electric Guitar