1. Year 8 Music Homework Topic 2: Reggae
Each slide in this presentation contains one of the 4 pieces of homework that you will be set during the topic. They will be set fortnightly by your teacher, but you can begin any of the homework tasks whenever you want.

2. Homework Task 1:
Match the 6 keywords to their correct definitions. Each of the following keywords describes a musical feature that can be found in Reggae Music.
Keywords
ostinato
syncopation
bass riff
Drum fill
parlando
backing vocals
Definitions
is a short drum rhythm that is different to the main beat and is used in between sections of a Reggae Song.
is a way of singing that is more like speaking. It was the forerunner to Rap music.
is when there is singing in the background to enhance the texture of the music. It comes from the African tradition of singing in harmony.
is a repeating melody played in the bass part.
means an off beat or out of time rhythm. In Reggae Music it is when the accented notes are played on beats 2 and 4.
is a continually repeated rhythm.

3. Homework Task 2:
Task: Listen to the track ‘Israelites’ by Desmond Dekker and focus carefully on the lyrics (words) of the song. This is an example of how Reggae Music is often linked with Rastafarianism and the Christian Revival Church. Q: What you think the lyrics of the song are about? Write a short paragraph (with a minimum of 8 sentences) explaining your thoughts and also describe how this song could be seen to be spiritual music.
Things to think about....
Who do you think this song is about?
How do you think the person in this song is feeling, and why?
Are there any key words that might have spiritual meanings?
What is the story this song is trying to tell?

4. Homework Task 3:
Task: Listen to the track ‘Buffalo Soldier’ by Bob Marley and focus carefully on the lyrics (words) of the song. This is an example of a Protest Song. Many Reggae Songs were protest songs. You will need to research what a protest song is.
Q: What you think the lyrics of the song are about?
Write a short paragraph explaining your thoughts and also describe why this song is considered to be a good example of a protest song.
Things to think about...
Who do you think this song is about?
How do you think the person in this song is feeling, and why?
Have you found out what a protest song is?
What is the story this song is trying to tell?

5. Homework Task 4:
Task: Complete the table below by putting the musical features of Reggae Music in the correct column(s). You may use each word as many times as you need to.
The table is designed to show you how Reggae Music has been influenced by African Music and Blues, but also how it has gone on to influence other popular Music styles such as Rap.
African Music
Blues
Reggae
Rap
ostinato
syncopation
bass riff
drum fill
parlando
backing vocals
singing in harmony