4 Band Activities for May 4th (May the Fourth Be With You)

1. Teach your students about the interval of a fourth. Give them a simple pattern of fourths to play. Also have them play chords in fourths.

2. Teach them the theme song from Star Wars. Great opportunity to teach triplet patterns!

3. Use famous quotes from Star Wars throughout the class.

When a student plays really well – “The force is strong with this one.”
When a student says they want to ‘try’ to play off a scale – “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Before a nervous student plays for the class – “Fear is the path to the dark side.”
If a student is struggling – “Use the force, Luke.”
Tell them a story about when you were in band – “A long time ago in a band hall far, far away…”
If a student says they can’t do something – “Be mindful of your thoughts Anakin. They’ll betray you.”
As they leave class – “Remember…the Force will be with you, always.”

4. Show them one or both of these videos. Or better yet, do a mini lesson on John Williams, the man man behind the music of our favorite Star Wars movies. Click the picture below for a fantastic lesson plan for May 4th (or any other time of year) This plan is also perfect for a sub!