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El Pescador: Cumbia Rhythm

By Daniel Montes de Oca Téllez, ETM-LA Music Teacher
Education Through Music-Los Angeles
October 8, 2024

Grade Level: Elementary  

Duration: 15 minutes  

Focus: Antiphonal Melody and Cumbia Rhythm (video)

 

 

Objectives:

– Students will learn the melody of the chorus of “El Pescador.”

– Students will understand and perform both antiphonal (call and response) parts.

– Students will learn the cumbia rhythm and combine it with the melody.

 

Materials:

– Audio recording of “El Pescador” (optional)

– Rhythm sticks or water bottle + pencil (optional, can clap rhythm instead)

Visual Aids (lyrics and rhythm patterns)

 

Procedure:

  1. Introduction to the Song (1 minute):

   – Briefly introduce “El Pescador,” a traditional Colombian cumbia song by Totó la Momposina.

   – Explain the cultural background and how call-and-response is used in the song.

 

  1. Learn the Melody of the Chorus (4 minutes):  

   – Sing or play the melody of the chorus for the students.

   – Break the melody into smaller sections and have the students repeat after you.

   – Gradually piece the sections together until they can sing the entire chorus.

 

  1. Practice Call and Response Parts (5 minutes):

   – Teach one or both parts (depending on time and class readiness).

   – Divide the class into two groups: one sings the call, the other responds.

   – Alternate roles between the groups.

 

  1. Introduce the Cumbia Rhythm (5 minutes):  

   – Demonstrate the basic cumbia rhythm by clapping, beatboxing, or using instruments.

   – Have students practice the rhythm together.

   – Layer the rhythm with the chorus, either in sequence or simultaneously.