In this video, Mr. Joshua Bacomo is leading a modern band keyboard lesson as part of a Keyboard Unit Introduction, guiding students through both foundational skills and creative exploration. He begins by welcoming the class and introducing the goals of the unit, emphasizing the versatility and excitement of the keyboard. He then models proper “ready” and “rest” positions, demonstrating correct posture, hand shape, and instrument care so students can mirror his technique. Afterward, he gives students time for free exploration, encouraging them to experiment with different sounds and dynamics while maintaining appropriate volume. This leads into a class discussion where students reflect on their discoveries, identifying key musical elements such as dynamics, timbre, and pitch, which Mr. Bacomo records as “keyboard qualities.” Building on this, he introduces an engaging dynamic and rhythm game in which students are divided into groups representing basketballs and tennis balls, using rhythm, pitch, and dynamics to recreate the sound of each object bouncing. Through structured rhythmic patterns, students experience alternating beats and ensemble interaction. During group work time, students collaborate and refine their ideas, applying musical concepts in a hands-on way. The lesson concludes with group performances, where students first share individually and then combine their parts, culminating in an exploration of the black keys as Mr. Bacomo introduces the pentatonic scale and briefly explains its historical significance.

In this lecture, Mr. Joshua Bacomo and Mr. Hu deliver a lively and informative presentation on the rich history and cultural impact of Brazilian music. They begin by exploring the origins of bossa nova, highlighting its development and key figures, as well as its blend of samba rhythms and jazz influences. The lecture then shifts to samba, where they discuss its cultural roots, the instruments involved, and its strong sense of community and tradition. An interactive section allows students to actively engage by adding jazz rhythms, helping them connect performance with the concepts being taught. They also examine the broader evolution of Brazilian music, including outside influences and its role in society, particularly as a form of protest and expression during times of political and social change.