The Cup Song

One of the first songs we will learn to lay is the Cup Song, made famous by Anna Kendricks in the Movie Pitch Perfect. Every student will perform the Cup Song after two weeks of practice. To make the most progress, I recommend 5 minutes of practice each day. You will be amazed at how easy this can get! You can watch the scene below:

The trick is to learn the motions perfectly - SLOWLY!

Here are the words which will help you remember the cup motions:

Clap Clap Tab-le Top

Clap Up Down

Clap Swipe Top Bottom

Grab Hand Down

Here is my Cup Song Tutorial on the google drive for downloading:

Cup Song Tutorial.mov

Or watch it on YouTube:

Part of the challenge is learning how to sing while you keep the cup motions going. It will take a little practice every day! Here are the lyrics:

VERSE
I got my ticket for the long way round
Two bottles of whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
And I'm leaving tomorrow,

what do you say?

CHORUS

When I'm gone
When I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair

You're gonna miss me everywhere, oh

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Finally, here is how you will be graded on your performance. Remember: 5 is the best grade you can receive if you only do the cup motions and you do not try to sing.

Cup Song Levels (Criterion C)

Level 0: What is a cup?

Level 1: How do I hold a cup without dropping it?

Level 2: Learning the pattern. I can do some of the motions, but not in time.

Level 3: I can play the motions slowly, but will make time or motion mistakes

Level 4: I can play the motions in time but might make a few mistakes.

Level 5: I can play the rhythm perfectly. I need to start to sing at the same time.

(You cannot get higher without singing)

Level 6: I am working on singing with motions. There might be some time issues, or the motions may not be in sync with the voice.

Level 7: I can perform the motions and sing very well, but might make a few mistakes, or rush.

Level 8: Complete mastery - not rushed singing and cup motions in sync.

The Task Sheet for this summative assessment can be found

by clicking this link.

ATL SKILLS:

Performing The Cup Song will help us to develop several Approaches to Learning:

Self Management / Organisational Skills: Plan strategies and take action to achieve personal and academic goals

Students will see significant progress (amazing progress, really!) if they are able to practice regularly. Just 5 minutes everyday. Or even better, 5 minutes then a break, and some time later another 5 minutes. This 'trick' lets your brain develop the pathways needed for the task, often called 'muscle memory'. This also works for any other skill you would like to learn - frequent repetition in small amounts is the key!

Affective Skills / Managing State of Mind: Practise strategies to reduce stress and anxiety

Students will often be very worried about performing in class in front of an audience. They will need to manage their stress to do their best. Students will become aware of how much anxiety can affect a performance. They will discover how practice/mastery/confidence can help alleviate anxiety. And finally, they will use techniques to help calm them before a performance. Taking some deep breaths before your performance can help to calm you and focus your mind for the task ahead.

image from: https://www.curemantra.com/blog/deep-breathing-simple-exercise-for-healthy-life/

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