Native Americans in Arizona: Songs and Dances
Student Activity Number Three
Created by Mary A. Ruane
Introduction
The Apache Indians are a very famous people in American history.
In this activity, you will be visiting with a fifth grade class on the
Ft. Apache Indian Reservation. You will be able to view many pictures
of life on the Apache reservation. You will also be reading an Apache
Song in their native language, and you will create a melody which might
go well with the song.
The Task
Look at the changing pictures on the first two websites which you visit
in this activity. They will give you a good insight into the Apache
culture. As you read at the websites, pay attention to what the Apache
students say about themselves and their culture. Pay attention to
the student report at the last website. All of these things will
help you to successfully create a melody for the Apache Song. You
are ready to proceed with the lesson. Please read all of the
directions before you click on the first link.
The Process
PLEASE REMEMBER: TO GET BACK AFTER VISITING A SITE, CLICK ON "BACK".
1. You will visit the website at CRADLEBOARD
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL , a school on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation.
2. Read what Mr. Alvarez's 5th grade class has written about
the Apaches. Take some time to look at the pictures on this website.
Notice that they change, to provide you with a good view of life at the
school.
3. Using paper and pencil, answer the following questions:
1. Where do "some people" think that
the Apache ancestors came from?
2. What do the Apaches in Mr. Alvalrez's
class believe?
3. What professions do the Apaches participate
in today?
4. Next, you will read about CULTURE
DAY at the Apache school. Make sure that you give yourself
time to look at the changing pictures at this website.
5. Answer these questions with pencil and paper:
4. What do the "Crowndancers" represent?
5. Do they remind you of the Hopi "Katsinas"?
Why or why not?
6. Now you are going to read the words to an APACHE
SONG . You are going to print this page by clicking on the "Print"
icon at the top of the screen.
7. Read the report about the Apaches which was written by a student,
then answer these questions on your paper:
1. The Apache boys of the past were
trained for warfare. Describe the various ways in which the boys
trained.
2. Describe the role of a woman in the
Apache past.
8. Many Native Americans used the Pentatonic Scale when creating
their melodies. Look at your print-out. Notice that the words
are in the Apache language with an English translation.
9. With pencil and paper, write the three lines in the Apache
language: please use the hyphens which separate the words into syllables.
Below the entire song, write the three lines of the English translation.
10. Create a melody for the Apache words. You will use the C
Pentatonic Scale (C-D-E-G-A). Do not be concerned with a set meter
for this assignment.
11. When you have finished the melody, you will add a rhythm composed
of these notes: quarter, eighth, half, and whole. Before you write the
rhythm, read the words a few times. Ask yourself: how should these
words sound in a short and long combination? That will help you to
choose a good rhythm for the song.
12. What kind of instruments will you add to play along with
this song?
13. When we are done with all of our activities, we will email
Mr. Alvarez's 5th grade class and let them know how much we enjoyed visiting
their sites. Compose a short message (pencil and paper) about your
visit to their site.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be graded on the accuracy and detail of your written answers.
You will also be graded on the creativity of your thinking as you write
the melody, rhythm, and instrument suggestions for the Apache Song.
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