5th: Music Report

Your Mission

1. Research the history of your band instrument using reliable sources.

2. Create a slideshow that answers the guiding questions below and includes pictures to help teach your audience.

3. Share your finished slideshow with your music teacher when your project is complete.

4. Present your slideshow to the class. Be prepared to explain what you learned in your own words.

Guiding Research Questions

Use these questions to guide your research. You do not have to answer every question, but your slideshow should cover the most important parts of your instrument’s history.

The beginning

• When and Where was your instrument invented?

• Who invented it, if that person is known?

• What were the ancestors or earlier versions of your instrument?

• What did your instrument look like when it was first created?

• What materials were used to make early versions of your instrument?

How it has changed

• How has your instrument changed over time?

• What materials are used to make your instrument today?

• How does your instrument make sound?

• How has the way people play your instrument changed?

• What is the oldest known version of your instrument?

Famous Musicians

• Who are some famous musicians who play or have played your instrument?

• What kind of music are they known for playing?

• What makes one of these musicians interesting or important?

• Can you find a recording or video of someone playing your instrument?

Your instrument Today

• What kinds of music feature your instrument?

• Where might you hear your instrument being played today?

• Is your instrument used in a concert band, orchestra, jazz band, or other musical groups?

• What is one interesting or surprising fact about your instrument?

Your personal connection

• Why did you choose to play this instrument?

• What is the most interesting thing you learned about its history?

• What would you tell someone who is thinking about learning to play your instrument?

Research Resources

Books

Most books about music and instruments can be found in the nonfiction section under the call numbers 780-789.
Other places to look for book information:

• World Book Encyclopedia (call number 031 Wor)

• World Book Discovery Encyclopedai (031 Wor)

• Biographies (to find information about musicians: B or 92 or 920)

Slideshow expectations

Your slideshow should:

• Have a title slide with your name and instrument

• Include information about your instrument’s history.

• Answer several of the guiding research questions

• Include pictures that help explain your research.

• Use short notes or bullet points instead of long paragraphs.

• Include a final slide listing the websites, books, or other sources you used.

• Be neat, organized and easy for your classmates to read.

• Be 6-8 slides in length

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