Student-arranged version of Pharrell Williams’ song ‘Happy.’

“In 5th grade music class, students are working on a student-arranged version of Pharrell Williams’ song ‘Happy.’ As an ensemble, students begin by learning the bass part using written notation, building a shared musical foundation. The bass line and bass melody are catchy and memorable, and they also introduce students to the concept of call-and-response.
During the verses, the vocal line presents the musical question, and the bass line answers with the familiar, funky response. This structure helps students recognize how musical ideas communicate with one another, a concept found across many styles of music. As the unit progresses, students are divided into piano and xylophone parts. Pianists learn response melodies, chords, and additional accompaniment, while xylophones take on the role of the bass line and response melody.
Learning the bass part together also allows assessment of students’ music-reading skills. Written note names are included within the noteheads to support note identification and help students connect written notation to the musical staff and their instruments.
Through ongoing practice, experimentation, and reassessment, instruction is adjusted as needed to support student growth and musical understanding.” – Mr.Giancaterino, Middle School Music Teacher