Grade Level: PreK-5th
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Subject: West African Chant

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Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces students to the practice of call-and-response, a key element of West African music that influenced New Orleans’ musical traditions. Through vocal and rhythmic activities, students will explore the communal and expressive nature of this style.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the concept of call-and-response in West African music.

2. Participate in vocal and rhythmic call-and-response activities.

3. Recognize the influence of West African traditions on New Orleans music.

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Materials Needed

• Percussion instruments or homemade drums.

• Optional: Audio recordings or examples of West African chants.

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Lesson Steps

Introduction to Call-and-Response (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking students:

  • Have you ever played a game or sung a song where one person says something and others repeat or respond?

• Explain that call-and-response is a musical conversation:

  • One person “calls” by singing or playing a phrase.

  • Others “respond” by echoing or adding their own phrase.

• Share how call-and-response was used in West Africa for communication, storytelling, and music.

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Demonstrate a Chant (5-7 minutes)

• Teach a simple West African chant using call-and-response:

  • Leader: “Funga Alafia!”

  • Response: “Ashe Ashe!”

  • Repeat several times until students feel comfortable.

• Add a rhythmic layer by clapping (1, 2, 3, 4) or drumming along with the chant.

 

Group Call-and-Response Activity (10 minutes)

• Divide students into two groups: callers and responders.

  • Callers begin singing “Fanga Alafia” and responders say “Ashe Ashe.” Then switch the roles of the two groups.

  • Next, Callers sing or play a rhythm, and responders echo or reply.

• Encourage creativity by letting students create their own calls for others to respond to

• Rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to lead and respond.

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Cultural Connection (5 minutes)

• Discuss how call-and-response helped enslaved Africans express themselves and share their stories. For example: “Enslaved people used call-and-response, both in work songs and spirituals, to coordinate labor, communicate across fields, and express their struggles and resilience.”

• Explain how this tradition became a key part of New Orleans music, influencing jazz, gospel, and more. For example: In gospel, call and response is a core element of worship, particularly in singing with a leader and a chorus, while in jazz, it's a structural element, shaping improvisation and collective expression of a band. 

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Extension Activities

• Movement Integration: Add body movements or dance steps to the call-and-response activity. For example, try clapping with or instead of the vocal call. 

• Instrument Exploration: Experiment with different sounds using drums, shakers, or other percussion instruments.

• Creative Writing: Have students write their own call-and-response lyrics about something they enjoy.

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Reflection Questions

• How does call-and-response feel like a conversation?

• What did you enjoy most about leading or responding in the chant?

• Can you think of other songs or games that use call-and-response? (For example: Marco Polo)

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Teacher/Parent Tips

• Keep the chants simple and repetitive to help younger students feel confident.

• Encourage shy students to participate by starting with group responses.

• Use positive reinforcement to make students feel proud of their creativity.