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MAKE BEATS. LEARN CODE. PROMOTE EQUITY.

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CODE TO COMPETE

You will use Georgia Tech’s EarSketch Platform to code a unique remix that demonstrates awareness and calls for action!
Winners will be selected in August.
50 students will win prizes, and the top students will win a $5000 scholarship or grant to start a business!

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{

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How are music, computer science, �activism and entrepreneurship �pathways to promote racial equity?

Song Structure—Every Song (and Person) Plays a Part

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Learn how to analyze a song through the The Four R's framework- Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, Responsibility

Analyze Dakota Bear’s song “Freedom” and will also learn about song structure.

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AGENDA

Understanding Decolonization & Indigenization
Understanding the Four R's Framework
Analyzing Dakota Bear's “Freedom”
Learning about Song Structure
Build your Vocabulary

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OBJECTIVE

MODULE 5 - SONG STRUCTURE

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Activity 1: What are Decolonization and Indigenization?

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1. UNDERSTANDING THE PAST

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Read “Fun Facts in Canadian Hip-Hop History” in your Student Writing Activities Workbook

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Activity 1: What are Decolonization & Indigenization

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Instructor Dialogue

Indigenous communities in Canada face similar struggles to African American communities in the United States and have to deal with all levels of racism which is often reflected in Canadian Indigenous Hip-Hop lyrics.

Hip-Hop is a modern tool for Indigenous youth to tell their stories and experiences through song. Take a minute to read the Fun Facts in Canadian Hip-Hop History in your Student Writing Activity Workbook, Module 5 - Activity 1: What are Decolonization and Indigenization?

Instructor Cue

Have the students read the Fun Facts in Canadian Hip Hop history located in their Student Writing Activity Workbook Module 5 - Activity 1: What are Decolonization and Indigenization? and discuss them with the rest of the class.

Fun Facts in Canadian Hip-Hop History

Canadian Hip-Hop history was heavily influenced by Caribbean immigration during 1960-1970. In 1988, Ron Nelson, a Toronto-based DJ, held rap battles at the concert hall between artists from Toronto and the United States. He was responsible for bringing acts like Public Enemy, Run DMC, Salt Peppa, Ice Cube, Queen Latifa & more to Canada.

Canada’s vibrant music scene in the 60s and 70s paved the way for creating a Canadian music TV program called MuchMusic in 1984. The program had a show called RapCity Michael William first hosted. Later on, Master Tee hosted the show.

In 1988, Michie Mee, who was touted for her Jamaican Funk Canadian Style, was the1st Canadian signed to a US label which signalled Canada’s breakthrough into the American hip-hop scene.

In 1989, Maestro Fresh Wes dropped the “Backbone Slide” single and video. This is the first hit single in Canadian Hip-Hop history to appear on Billboard's Hot Rap singles chart. In 1989, he released “Symphony in Effect” and won a Juno Award for Video Of The Year (Certified Gold 500k Sold). Then, in 1990 his song was nominated for best dance recording at the 1990 Juno awards because they had no specific category for hip hop routines yet.

In 1998, the Canadian rap group, the Rascalz, released a song called “Northern Touch” which was a collaboration with other well-known Canadian rappers including Checkmate, Kardinal Official, Thrust and Choclair. It became a hugely popular song and thrust Canadian hip-hop into the international Hip-Hop scene. As a result of the song’s popularity, the Juno’s created a “Rap” category that the song “Northern Touch” was the first to win!

Another notable figure in Canadian hip-hop - and an artist who has been involved with the Your Voice is Power Program - is Sheldon Pitt a.k.a Solitair. Solitair is the founding member of the Black Jays production team and has been producing music for 20+ years. His production credits include artists such as Nina Sky, Glenn Lewis, Cham, Maestro, Rascalz, Kardinal Offishall, Ivana Santilli, July Black, Choclair & Sugar Jones. In 2006, Solitair started working with Cipha Sounds of Hot 97 under the name "More Fire". The duo produced work for Nina Sky, Daytona, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, Jim Jones, Elephant Man & Trey Songz.

Of course, we cannot forget about the contributions to hip-hop by Indigenous youth. Indigenous youth were also embracing Hip-Hop and the first Indigenous Hip-Hop song to be played on MuchMusic was a song called “Feelin Reserved” by the War Party. Notable Indigenous Hip-Hop artists include A Tribe Called Red, Inez Jasper, Joey Stylez, JB The First Lady, Winnipeg’s Most, Eekwol, Crystal Lightning, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Dakota Bear, Jayli, Samian, and more!

Finally, around the 2000s, the Canadian Hip-Hop scene was getting the respect and recognition it deserves. In 2001, Canada got its first Hip-Hop radio station - Flow 93.5, which finally gave Canadian artists a platform to showcase their talent to the country.

Since 2010, Toronto artist Drake has dominated the Canadian and American hip-hop scene. In 2016, Drake scored the first Billboard Hot 100 number one song by a Canadian artist! Now Canada boasts many other Hip-Hop artists with international prominence, including Tory Lanez, The Weeknd, PartyNextDoor, Roy Woods, and many more!

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO PROMOTE EQUITY

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Term	Definition
	�The dismantling of colonial power structures. �

DECOLONIZATION

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO PROMOTE EQUITY

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Term	Definition
	�The restoration of Indigenous ways of knowing, thinking, feeling and being and often involves the resurgence of Indigenous languages and ceremonies. �

INDIGENIZATION

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2. SONG MESSAGES AND STRUCTURES

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ACTIVITY 2: THE FOUR R'S FRAMEWORK

Indigenous educators Verna J. Kirkness and Ray Barnhardt spent their lives advocating for Indigenous education. They believed that education should include the Four R's

Respect

Relevance

Reciprocity

Responsibility

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Respect	Respect is not reserved for those with special societal status, income level, intellect, power or attractiveness: respect is deserved by all of creation, human, or otherwise.
Relevance	Including Indigenous perspectives regarding history and culture ensures Indigenous knowledges continue to be passed down through generations.
Reciprocity	Reciprocity is based on the teaching of interconnectedness. Whenever we take something from the earth, we also make sure to give something back - often in the form of a prayer or offering. When we work with others, we need to ensure the relationship is beneficial to both, so that everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Responsibility	The things that we say and do can have a huge impact on others. We need to ensure we are using our voice in a responsible way. Responsibility is more than just an idea - it is an action.

THE FOUR R’S FRAMEWORK

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Instructor Dialogue

There are many wonderful examples of Indigenous music, songs, dances, instruments, and musicians.

The Indigenous music industry is booming and a huge part of Indigenous cultures.

Music and dance have not always been happy outlets for Indigenous peoples. In the past, Indigenous people never had the freedom to sing their own songs, dance their own dances, or participate in their own ceremonies.

The Indian Act outlawed First Nations music and dance. Many years of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture were pushed into the shadows. It took until 1951 for some of the political, cultural, and religious restrictions to finally be lifted.

Today, we will be listening to Indigenous Artist and Activist - Dakota Bear - and his song Freedom, and we will look for lyrics in the song that reflect the 4R Framework

As you listen, start to ask yourself how can the songs we create embody each of The Four R’s? Respect? Relevance? Reciprocity? Responsibility?

Instructor Cue

Review the 4Rs Framework (resource in appendix) and also in the Student Writing Activity Workbook together as a class.

Ask the students: how can the songs we create embody each of The Four R’s? Respect? Relevance? Reciprocity? Responsibility?

The Four R’s Framework

The Four R’s Framework is a framework aimed at decolonizing and Indigenizing the education system. Today, we are going to use this framework to analyze music and create our own songs!

Respect

Respect for all of creation

To honour all of creation is to have respect. Respect addresses the dignity of people, and encompasses the honouring and valuing of who they are as a unique person. Inherent in the overarching principle of respect is the honouring of rights, autonomy, choice, worthiness, uniqueness, and self-determination. Respect is not reserved for those with special societal status, income level, intellect, power or attractiveness: respect is deserved by all of creation, human or otherwise. It is considered a fundamental attitude and way of being for all people. How do you show respect?

Relevance

Include relevant Indigenous perspectives

Including Indigenous perspectives regarding history and culture ensures Indigenous knowledges continue to be passed down through generations. Respecting Indigenous history, culture, knowledges and perspectives can include becoming informed about these topics by doing your research and actively seeking out Indigenous perspectives. It could include using Indigenous place names or learning about the history of the land you occupy. How do you include Indigenous perspectives in your life?

Reciprocity

Fostering reciprocal relationships

Reciprocity is based on the teaching of interconnectedness. Whenever we take something from the earth, we also make sure to give something back - often in the form of a prayer or offering. When we work with others, we need to ensure the relationship is beneficial to both, so that everyone feels valued and appreciated. Fostering reciprocal relationships can look like showing up on time (valuing someone elses’ time) and returning a favour (if someone helps you, make sure you help them too). How can you give back to others?

Responsibility

Using your voice in a responsible way

The things that we say and do can have a huge impact on others. We need to ensure we are using our voice in a responsible way. Responsibility is more than just an idea - it is an action. Sometimes using your voice in a responsible way can look like advocating for change. What actions are you taking that positively impact the world?

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Activity 3: Analyze the song “Freedom” by Dakota Bear

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Listen to the song “Freedom” by Dakota Bear

In your Student Writing Activity Workbook:

Highlight lyrics in the song that reflect the four R’s.

Answer the questions on how each of the Four R’s is reflected in the song.

Instructor Dialogue

Listen to the song Freedom by Dakota Bear, as you listen follow along with the lyrics in your Student Writing Activity Workbook Module 5 - Activity 3: Analyze the song Freedom by Dakota Bear looking for examples that reflect the 4Rs and then answer the questions in your workbook.

Instructor Cue

Play the song Freedom by Dakota Bear and ask the students to follow along with the lyrics in their Student Writing Activity Workbook Module 5 - Activity 3: Analyze the song Freedom by Dakota Bear to identify examples that reflect the 4Rs and then answer the questions in the workbook.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdZJaxBybTA

FREEDOM by Dakota Bear

// verse one //

The people are standing together there’s power in numbers

We will not fall where you want us

We learning the laws you throwing upon us

You throw us in water we know there’s pirhanas

The people they needing a leader just know that I’m on It

I’m honest in everything that I do

Every word that I write is true

The people that get it they know that the picture is bigger

So pull up a seat and you’ll listen you putting a fist in the air you know the resistance is here

You’ll hear us off in the distance

We are the kids that you dismissed

We are the targets you just missed

We are descendants of healers and chiefs just know that our struggles are brief

Just know that we one in the same

I’m from the prairies the plains

I’ll grow my hair out until I can braid it again

I’m no longer ashamed

I promised our people our hardships will not go out in vain

You’ll hear in my voice and the melody Carry the pain

I do not do this for money for fame

I just want to be me I just want to feel free

Is that to much that we ask?

Look to the future but learn from the past

I know that sometimes we clash

And that’s just life chances ain’t handed out twice

A man of my word and a man of advice

I just want to be me I just want to feel free

// hook //

We just wanna live our lives we don’t want to have to worry

Tell me can you help me it don’t seem like you been in a hurry

You playing judge and jury I feel like I’m under siege

Get the matches burn the sage

Chapters over turn the page

Author of my destiny but they telling me differently

// verse two //

I swear we be doing the most

I pack my suitcase and moved to the coast

I promised the next time I come to the city I’m bringing hope

I’m bringing you n it’s bigger then music together we started a movement

Together we stand and we shaking the earth as we moving

As soon as you look for the answer you’ll see the solution

Our minds are as clear as the water as soon as you see the pollution

We want the freedom and not the illusion

We are the warriors the ones you read in the stories we are notorious

I just want to me I just want to feel free

// hook //

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Activity 3: Analyze the song “Freedom” by Dakota Bear

Respect	How does the song demonstrate respect?
Relevance	Are Indigenous perspectives included? How so?
Reciprocity	What relationships are valued? How does the artist convey a sense of giving back?
Responsibility	How does the artist use their voice in a responsible way?

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Instructor Dialogue

What examples did you find in Dakota’s song that reflect the 4Rs?

Instructor Cue

Have the students share examples they found in the song

Respect: How does the song demonstrate respect?

Answers will vary but examples might include “We just wanna live our lives we don’t want to have to worry” - to live life without worry you need to feel validated and respected

Relevance: Are Indigenous perspectives included? How so?

Answers will vary but examples might include “I’ll grow my hair out until I can braid it again” - hair in many Indigenous cultures is a symbol of strength so talking about growing hair out until it’s long enough to braid might refer to getting stronger

Reciprocity: What relationships are valued? How does the artist convey a sense of giving back?

Answers will vary but examples might include “The people they needing a leader just know that I’m on It, I’m honest in everything that I do, Every word that I write is true” suggesting he is willing to step up and use his voice as an artist to be a leader and share the truth

Responsibility: How does the artist use their voice in a responsible way?

Answers will vary but examples might include: “As soon as you look for the answer you’ll see the solution. Our minds are as clear as the water as soon as you see the pollution. We want the freedom and not the illusion” it sounds like he isn’t just complaining but is trying to look to a more hopeful future and solutions to make things better

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GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What do you think Dakota meant with the phrase “I promised our people our hardships will not go out in vain/ You’ll hear in my voice and the melody. carry the pain”?

2. What do you think Dakota meant with the phrase “I just want to be me I just want to feel free.” in terms of how Indigenous people may feel?

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Introducing Song Structure

Does your code sound like a song you might hear on the radio or YouTube? If it doesn’t, what is missing?
What makes up a song/musical composition? What makes a piece of music a composition rather than a few beats strung together?

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Instructor Dialogue

In the same way we’ve seen that every person plays a part, we will also learn how every part of a song plays a part.

I am going to open [choose student example or a song that won in previous years] the Your Voice is Power Script in EarSketch.

When I run the script, listen to what the code creates. After you listen I’ll ask you the following questions:

Does the code sound like a song you might hear on the radio/YouTube/music streaming service? If it doesn’t, what is missing?
What makes up a song/musical composition? What makes a piece of music a composition rather than a few beats strung together? (Answers could include: length, repeating sections, lyrics, someone singing, etc.)

Instructor Cue

Open a student song or even one of the songs that won in previous years and play it for the students and have them answer the questions on the slide

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SIMPLE SONG STRUCTURE

VERSE	CHORUS	VERSE	CHORUS
A	B	A	B

Do you think Freedom fits the verse/chorus structure?
What changes did you notice between different song sections?

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Instructor Dialogue

Songs you hear on the radio have structure.

Most songs you hear on the radio or YouTube have an arrangement that includes sections, where you will hear different and repeating forms through one piece of music.

The most popular song structure is the verse-chorus structure. Another name for the verse-chorus structure is ABAB, where the song cycles between verse, chorus, verse, and chorus.

This is common with many Hip-Hop songs, where verse (A) is spoken, and the chorus (B) is sung.

As a song moves from section A to section B, there is a change in tempo, beat, or musical notes." (Note: EarSketch doesn't accommodate changes of tempo within a song at this time.)

Think about Dakota Bear's song—Freedom: Do you think it fits the verse-chorus structure? Do you notice changes between different song sections?

Let’s learn more about these sections of a song and try to see if we can identify them in Dakota Bear’s song.

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO MAKE BEATS

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Term	Definition
	�The section of a song with lyrics and melody repeated throughout the song in between the verses. This is your “earworm” — the most memorable part of your song. �

CHORUS

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO MAKE BEATS

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Term	Definition
	�The “storytelling” parts of the song. It completes the body of the song and provides variety between repeated choruses. There are usually multiple verses in a song that support the main message of the chorus.�

VERSE

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MORE COMPLEX SONG STRUCTURES

VERSE	CHORUS	VERSE	CHORUS	BRIDGE	CHORUS
A	B	A	B	C	B

TIP: Competition entries with more complex song structures will be more successful.

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO MAKE BEATS

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Term	Definition
	�Song sections that often contain only music and no words, that contain the feeling of the song. These are used to open or close the song. Both intros and outros may use tempo and volume as methods to both build and fade mood in the song.

INTRO�OUTRO

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO MAKE BEATS

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Term	Definition
	�This generally short section of the song has a different feeling, melody, and lyric from any other section. It often is used toward the middle or end of the song to build up to the chorus.

BRIDGE

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BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY TO MAKE BEATS

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Term	Definition
	�Short passages of music that combine musical sections. The goal of the transition is to grab the listener’s attention and let them know a change is about to occur.

TRANSITIONS

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ANALYZE THE STRUCTURE OF “Freedom”

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Activity 5: Structure of Dakota Bear’s song "Freedom”

Listen to the song together as a class and identify each part of the song: Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, and Outro.

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In your Student Writing Activity Workbook follow along with the lyrics and identify the different parts of the song.

Instructor Dialogue

Let’s analyze the structure of Dakota Bear’s song "Freedom".

I’m going to play the song, follow along with the lyrics in your Student Writing Activity Workbook Module 5 - Activity 5: Determining the Structure of Dakota Bear’s song “Freedom”and try to label the parts of the song using the labels, Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Outro.

Instructor Cue

Play Dakota Bear’s song "Freedom". As the song is playing have the students complete Student Writing Activity Workbook Module 5 - Activity 5: Determining the Structure of Dakota Bear’s song “Freedom”

We recommend hiding the video while playing so students can focus on the song structure and are not distracted by the video.

You can ask students the following questions to stimulate a class discussion:

What did you notice about the sections of the song?
Did the song follow a specific order? (Students should have noted the intro, outro, bridge, verse, chorus, and bridge sections.)
Did you hear any melody repetition (musical sounds) or lyrics within the song?
Why do you think songs include repeating sections? (Repetition hooks the listener and gets the song into the listener's head like an earworm.)
Did you hear a contrast between the verse and the chorus?
Why is there a contrast between sections? (To capture the listener’s attention, and to the song.)

FREEDOM by Dakota Bear

// verse one //

The people are standing together there’s power in numbers

We will not fall where you want us

We learning the laws you throwing upon us

You throw us in water we know there’s pirhanas

The people they needing a leader just know that I’m on It

I’m honest in everything that I do

Every word that I write is true

The people that get it they know that the picture is bigger

So pull up a seat and you’ll listen you putting a fist in the air you know the resistance is here

You’ll hear us off in the distance

We are the kids that you dismissed

We are the targets you just missed

We are descendants of healers and chiefs just know that our struggles are brief

Just know that we one in the same

I’m from the prairies the plains

I’ll grow my hair out until I can braid it again

I’m no longer ashamed

I promised our people our hardships will not go out in vain

You’ll hear in my voice and the melody Carry the pain

I do not do this for money for fame

I just want to be me I just want to feel free

Is that to much that we ask?

Look to the future but learn from the past

I know that sometimes we clash

And that’s just life chances ain’t handed out twice

A man of my word and a man of advice

I just want to be me I just want to feel free

// hook //

We just wanna live our lives we don’t want to have to worry

Tell me can you help me it don’t seem like you been in a hurry

You playing judge and jury I feel like I’m under siege

Get the matches burn the sage

Chapters over turn the page

Author of my destiny but they telling me differently

// verse two //

I swear we be doing the most

I pack my suitcase and moved to the coast

I promised the next time I come to the city I’m bringing hope

I’m bringing you n it’s bigger then music together we started a movement

Together we stand and we shaking the earth as we moving

As soon as you look for the answer you’ll see the solution

Our minds are as clear as the water as soon as you see the pollution

We want the freedom and not the illusion

We are the warriors the ones you read in the stories we are notorious

I just want to me I just want to feel free

// hook //

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Activity 6: Build Your Vocabulary

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3. CONSOLIDATION / REFLECTION

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Activity 6: Build Your Vocabulary

In your Student Writing Activity Workbook, match these terms with their definitions:

Decolonization
Indigenization
The Four R's

Respect
Relevance
Reciprocity
Responsibility

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Instructor Dialogue

Match the following terms with their definitions in your Student Writing Activity Workbook Module 5 - Activity 6: Build your Vocabulary

Instructor Cue

Have the student complete Module 5 - Activity 6: Build your Vocabulary in their Student Writing Activity Workbook

Decolonization - the dismantling of colonial power structures.

Indigenization - the restoration of Indigenous ways of knowing, thinking, feeling, and being and often involves the resurgence of Indigenous languages and ceremonies

Respect - Respect is not reserved for those with special societal status, income level, intellect, power or attractiveness: respect is deserved by all of creation, human, or otherwise.

Relevance - Including Indigenous perspectives regarding history and culture ensures Indigenous knowledges continue to be passed down through generation

Reciprocity - Reciprocity is based on the teaching of interconnectedness. Whenever we take something from the earth, we also make sure to give something back - often in the form of a prayer or offering. When we work with others, we need to ensure the relationship is beneficial to both, so that everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Responsibility - The things that we say and do can have a huge impact on others. We need to ensure we are using our voice in a responsible way. Responsibility is more than just an idea - it is an action.

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THANK YOU!

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