UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China Block H: Music
In this creative block, find out about the instruments (bells, pipes, cymbals, flutes) and music made by
the Shang people – make simple instruments and compose a piece of instrumental music about the final
days of the Shang Dynasty.
Block H: Shang Dynasty
Music
[4 Sessions]
Main outcome: History
Other outcomes: Music
By the end of this block you
will have achieved the
following outcomes:

Session 1: History and
Music
Shang music
Children will learn about
Shang musical instruments,
discuss what these musical
instruments could have been
used for, find modern
equivalents and try them
out
Session 2: History and
Music
Emotive music
Listen to different
compositions that tell a
story or evoke an emotion
and examine how the pitch,
tempo, timbre and structure
communicates elements of a
story or an emotion.
Session 3: History and
Music
Downfall of the Shang
Tell children the story of the
downfall of the Shang
dynasty. Children improvise
a composition to accompany
the story. Note down what
tempo, pitch and timbre
each part of the orchestra
plays during each section of
the story.
Children will:
 Describe features of the music
 Explain some of the features of ancient Chinese music
 Play musical instruments in a way that recalls the ancient Chinese music



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Pupils should continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and
understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within
and across the periods they study.
A depth study of The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China.
Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts.
Improvise and compose music for a range of purposes.
Appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music
drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians.
Children will:
 Appreciate the emotional aspect of music
 Improvise music to create a certain emotion
 Discuss the Shang use of music
Children will:
 Improvise a piece of music to tell a story
 Contribute to a composition that tells a story
 Perform a composition to tell a story
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.
UKS2 Topic: Earliest Civilisations: The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China Block H: Music
Session 4: History and
Music
Perform the Shang piece
Children will practice and
perform the Shang piece to
an audience.
Children will:
 Plan a performance
 Explain features of Shang music
 Take part in an ensemble performance
Resources
Session 1
Provided: PowerPoint presentation about Shang instruments; Information sheet covering musical
terminology.
You will need: Bells, panpipes, flutes, drums, cymbals, ocarinas, chimes.
Session 2
Provided: Emotion Cards; Elements of Music to Evoke Emotions information sheet.
You will need: Bells, pan pipes, flutes, drums, cymbals, ocarinas, chimes.
Session 3
Provided: PowerPoint presentation on the Shijing; Story about the downfall of the Shang from the
Shijing; Presentation about musical notation; Composition template; Example of Chinese melody using
western notation.
You will need: Bells, pan pipes, flutes, drums, cymbals, ocarinas, chimes.
Session 4
Provided: Template covering the poem for the composition.
You will need: Bells, pan pipes, flutes, drums, cymbals, ocarinas, chime bars.
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
The links to the websites and the contents of the web pages associated with such links specified on this list (hereafter collectively referred to as the ‘Links’)
have been checked by Hamilton Trust (being the operating name of the registered charity, William Rowan Hamilton Trust) and to the best of Hamilton
Trust’s knowledge, are correct and accurate at the time of publication. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other terms and conditions on the Hamilton
Trust website, you acknowledge that Hamilton Trust has no control over such Links and indeed, the owners of such Links may have removed such Links,
changed such Links and/or contents associated with such Links. Therefore, it is your sole responsibility to verify any of the Links which you wish you use.
Hamilton Trust excludes all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any Links.