Sooner Song Teacher Plan Musical Exploration: Oklahoma!
Teacher Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Grade 3 Music
Objective
Students will analyze the Oklahoma state song to identify key musical and vocal elements, practice vocal techniques, and create percussion instruments to accompany a group performance.
Why This Lesson?
Exploring state symbols through music fosters a deeper connection to heritage. By breaking down rhythm, melody, and harmony, students transition from passive listeners to active musical participants.
Materials Needed
Oklahoma State song audio/video
Discussion Guide Resource
Instrument Instruction Cards
Craft Supplies:
Paper plates & plastic bottles
Beans, rice, or beads
Tape, markers, and stickers
Lesson Instructions
5'
Intro
Setting the Stage
Welcome students and introduce the state song. Explain that today they aren't just listening—they are becoming "Musical Detectives" to figure out how the song works. Briefly mention its historical significance to Oklahoma.
5'
Listen
Musical Immersive
Play the Oklahoma State song. Ask students to close their eyes and focus on a specific element: the beat, the high/low notes (melody), or the backup voices (harmony).
10'
Discuss
Element Analysis
Use the Discussion Guide to lead a class conversation. Identify instruments heard (strings, brass) and describe the "vibe" of the song (energetic, proud).
5'
Sing
Vocal Exploration
Practice a well-known part of the song (the "O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!" shout-sing). Discuss techniques like articulation (pronouncing the letters clearly) and breath control .
10'
Craft
Makerspace: Rhythm Tools
Hand out the Instruction Cards . Guide students in making paper plate tambourines or shaker bottles. Remind them to tape securely so beans don't fly during the performance!
5'
Perform
The Big Finale
Play the song again. Students join in with their new instruments and voices. Challenge them to keep a steady beat with the music.
Closure & Recap
Review the key terms (rhythm, melody, harmony). Collect instruments or allow students to take them home to perform for families. End with a "Sooner State" cheer!
Musical Elements Discussion Guide Musical & Vocal Elements
Oklahoma! Discussion Guide
Use these prompts to guide students through a deep listening session. Pause the music as needed to explore specific sections of the song.
1
What instruments do you hear in the song?
Encourage students to listen for different families of instruments.
Strings: Do you hear violins or a bright, twangy guitar/banjo sound?Brass/Woodwinds: Listen for the celebratory trumpets or flutes.Percussion: Can you hear the drums keeping the "heartbeat" of the song?
2
What is the rhythm of the song like?
Ask students to describe the beat and tempo. Is it fast or slow? Steady or varied?
Teacher Tip: Have students tap their laps to the beat. Does it feel like a march, a dance, or a slow walk?
3
How does the melody make you feel?
Discuss the emotional impact. Does it convey a sense of pride, excitement, or something else?
Key Vocabulary: "Majestic," "Energetic," "Homey."
4
What harmonies do you notice?
Talk about how different voices or instruments come together. Harmony is when two or more notes sound at the same time to create a "fuller" sound.
Listening Challenge: Can you hear the high backup voices during the chorus?
5
What vocal techniques do the singers use?
Breath Control: How do they hold those long notes at the end?Pitch: Do they hit high notes or low notes?Articulation: Are the words crisp and easy to understand (diction)?Volume (Dynamics): Is it loud and bold or soft and sweet?
Fun Fact
The song "Oklahoma!" was the first state song in the U.S. that was actually written for a Broadway musical!
Rhythm Tools Instruction Cards Makerspace: Rhythm Tools
Instruction Cards for Your Percussion Instruments
Paper Plate Tambourine
What You Need:
2 paper plates, handful of beans/rice, tape, markers/stickers
1
Grab two paper plates and hold them facing each other.
2
Place a small handful of beans or rice in the center of one plate.
3
Place the second plate on top and tape the edges together very securely!
4
Decorate your tambourine with markers and stickers to make it unique.
Handheld Shaker
What You Need:
Plastic bottle (with lid), rice/beads, stickers, colored tape
1
Find an empty plastic bottle or container and make sure it is dry .
2
Fill it with beans, rice, or small beads. Try different amounts to hear different sounds !
3
Screw the lid on tightly. Have a teacher help you tape the lid shut.
4
Use stickers or colored tape to decorate your new instrument.
Ready to play? Keep a steady beat with the music!
Musical Exploration Slides Oklahoma!
A Musical Exploration of Our State Song
Listening Session
Focus Mode
As we listen, be a Musical Detective.
What instruments do you hear?
How fast is the tempo?
How does the song make you feel?
[Music Video Placeholder]
Oklahoma! (State Song)
Vocal Power!
Breath Control
Use your diaphragm to hold those long, majestic notes!
Articulation
Make every "O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A" sound crisp and clear.
Pitch
Match the notes perfectly for a beautiful melody.
Performance Time!
Get your percussion instruments ready!
Voices
Rhythm
Spirit
"Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain..."
