Musical Heroes: Celebrating Black Musicians

This activity introduces Year 2 children to the rich musical heritage and significant contributions of Black musicians, linking to Black History Month. Children will listen to and respond to music from various Black artists, discussing their feelings and observations. The aim is to broaden their musical horizons and foster an appreciation for diversity in music, aligning with the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum for Music, which encourages children to listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music.

Learning Intention: We are learning to identify and appreciate music created by Black musicians and understand the impact of their music.

1. Introduction to Black History Month and Music (10 minutes)

• Begin by explaining that October is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history and today. Explain that music is a powerful way people express themselves and share their culture.
• Ask children: "What kind of music do you like?" "Who are some of your favourite singers or bands?" Introduce the idea that many different people from all over the world create amazing music.

2. Listening and Responding: Meet the Musicians (20 minutes)

• Introduce a Black musician (e.g., Louis Armstrong for jazz, Nina Simone for blues/soul, Bob Marley for reggae, or a contemporary artist like Beyoncé for pop). Show a picture of the artist.
• Play a short, age-appropriate clip of their music (2-3 minutes). Encourage children to listen carefully. Ask questions like:
  • "How does this music make you feel?" (Happy, calm, energetic?)
  • "What instruments can you hear?" (Trumpet, drums, guitar?)
  • "Can you hear a story in the music?" (If lyrical)
  • "What makes this music special or different?"
• Repeat with 2-3 other contrasting Black musicians from different genres (e.g., jazz, reggae, soul, gospel, pop). Keep the clips short and varied to maintain engagement.

3. Expressing Through Movement or Art (15 minutes)

• After listening to a few pieces, choose one or two favourites.
• Option 1 (Movement): Play a chosen track again and encourage children to move freely to the music, expressing how it makes them feel. "Show me with your body how this music makes you want to move!"
• Option 2 (Art): Provide drawing materials. Play a chosen track and ask children to draw what they hear or how the music makes them feel. They could draw colours, shapes, or even imagine a scene.

4. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Bring the class back together. Ask children to share their movements or drawings. Discuss their interpretations.
• Reinforce the idea that Black musicians have created many different types of music that bring joy and tell stories. Emphasise the importance of listening to and appreciating music from all cultures.
• Conclude by reminding them that music is a wonderful way to learn about different people and their history.

• Music Player: Speaker or interactive whiteboard with internet access.
• Music Selection: Curated short, age-appropriate audio clips (2-3 minutes each) from 3-4 diverse Black musicians. Examples:
  • Louis Armstrong (Jazz): 'What a Wonderful World'
  • Nina Simone (Soul/Blues): 'Feeling Good' (instrumental/edited vocal version)
  • Bob Marley (Reggae): 'Three Little Birds'
  • Stevie Wonder (Soul/Pop): 'Superstition'
  • Aretha Franklin (Soul/Gospel): 'Respect' (edited version)
  • Contemporary artist like Beyoncé or Stormzy (edited for age-appropriateness, focusing on rhythm/melody).
• Visuals: Pictures of each musician to display while their music is playing.
• Art Supplies (if chosen): Paper, crayons, felt-tip pens, or coloured pencils.
• Space: Clear space for movement if choosing the movement option.