Introduction

Webster's Dictionary defines Doo-Wop as: "noun - a vocal style of rock and roll characterized by the a cappella singing of nonsense syllables in rhythmical support of the melody." Actually, this is a fairly accurate description of the genre, but it's so much more than that when you hear it. 

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The Task

Your task is to investigate Doo Wop  lyrics and determine what type of poetry it represents. You are to create a Doo-Wop Show to present to the class. 

• Examine 5 different songs from different artists 

    

• Describe the poetic elements in the song

  • simile

  • metaphor

  • personification

  • symbolism

  • verbal irony

  • paradox

• Each group is to 

  •     create a  Brochure on a group or song and include historical facts.

  •     create a PowerPoint presentation on a musical group or historical event of the time.

  •     create a  "Book of Doo Wop Poems"

  •     prepare for  a  Poetry Slam*

  •     create a  Musical Performance**

  •     complete the rhythm and rhyme patterns for 2 songs

  •     write the lyrics as a poem, type and find an appropriate illustration

*Perform 'Slam' Style two of your favorite lyrics. They must come from different eras or different styles of music. 

A Poetry Slam is a competition that pits poem against poem, poet against poet. Poems are judged on a scale of one to ten, fractions encouraged, by a panel of judges picked from the audience. Equal parts poetry, performance, delivery and verve. And, occasionally, theater and stand-up comedy

**Perform the song.  You must have a tape or CD that was purchased. You may not download music from the Internet. You may ask me to see if I have the music.....Gee, you might look at my list first.

The Roles

 It is the responsibility of each group member to understand what

everyone is doing and to edit the work of the entire group. 

Historian:  Research what was going on historically at the time of two of your songs. Look for world, national as  well as local history.  You may also interview friends,  neighbors and relatives and  write personal  narratives.  Don't forget to research the fashions of the time.               

Poet: Listen to the songs. Write the lyrics as a poem. You may find that this has already been done for  you.  You may not simply copy and paste lyrics into word. Everything must be in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Complete the  rhyme and rhythm patters for each poem. 

Musician:  Define Doo Wop and write about the great musicians of the era. If you play an instrument look for music for your instrument. You may also ask your music teacher.

Biographer: Write a brief biography of 2 of the artists. This may be difficult, so start early!

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Resources

Doo Wop

•  http://www.history-of-rock.com/DooWopSound.htm

• http://www.doo-wop.com/ Fashions

• http://www.fiftiesweb.com/fifties.htm The Fifties

• http://shady.dsv.nl/jukebox/

• http://www.angelfire.com/mn/coasters The Coasters

• http://www.min7th.com/diamonds/ The Diamonds

• http://electricearl.com/dws/links.html Lots of Links!

• http://roswell.fortunecity.com/elm/66/favorite.htm

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The Process

• You'll be a part of a team of  four students. You may select  your  own partners.

• You will then  decide what role each person will have. Each person is to complete the activities assigned to that role. 

• Develop a timeline for the project. Make sure everyone has a copy of the timeline and their responsibilities. 

• Make sure your props (pictures, models, and costumes if you want them) are ready for you to videotape your program on the appropriate date.

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