Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Symphony No. 4 in D Minor

Performer: Florence Price

Listening Time: Approximately 30 minutes or less if listening to individual movements

What should I know about Florence Price?

Florence Price wove the soulful rhythms of African American spirituals and folk tunes into classical music, forever changing its tapestry. Though she faced many challenges as a Black woman composer in the early 20th century, her talent blazed a trail, paving the way for generations to come. But she wasn't just a folklorist; her works like the Symphony in E Minor showcased her mastery of orchestral techniques, earning her the prestigious W.C. Handy Award in 1933 – a first for a Black woman composer. She championed the works of other Black composers, and actively nurtured young musicians, her passion for education and inclusivity ensuring her legacy reached far beyond the concert hall.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Need More Black History Month Resources?

Share stories, create conversations, and spark a deeper appreciation for the arts all month (and all year) long! Explore ALL of the Black History Month composer packs, activities, and digital resources.