This is a fun, active, and engaging unit -  students connected multiple work songs with other classes they've taken.

Rather than work songs being the focus, this unit can serve as a means to explore numerous musical concepts such as call and response, round, rhythms, intervals, and part singing in an informal setting. I prioritized the cultural/historical significance of work songs instead of finding a balance between musical concepts and these significances.

Students especially enjoyed learning about the instruments they could play or see. The synthesizer learning experience was the most hands on and engaging, utilizing Chrome Music Labs.

An issue I came across was what version of certain instruments do we want to focus on. For instance, the bone flute was certainly invented many years earlier than the modern concert flute. Which is more important for students to know? 

I appreciated the refreshing take on a Music History unit; however, next time I teach this unit, I will strive to connect more traditional concepts throughout the entire unit, such as the musical periods.