Grade 9 Project 8

Following Projects can be assigned based on the lesson Kathmandu 

Project / Portfolio 1 

Flutes Across Cultures

1. Neh (India):

Description: A reed flute commonly used in traditional Indian music.

Cultural Significance: Integral to classical Indian music, the neh is associated with spiritual and meditative practices.

2. Recorder (Europe):

Description: A woodwind instrument with a whistle mouthpiece and finger holes.

Cultural Significance: The recorder has been widely used in European music since the Middle Ages, often associated with Renaissance and Baroque music.

3. Shakuhachi (Japan):

Description: A Japanese bamboo flute with five finger holes and a distinct blowing edge.

Cultural Significance: Originating from Zen Buddhist meditation practices, the shakuhachi is prized for its meditative and contemplative qualities.

4. Bansuri (India):

Description: A bamboo flute used in classical Hindustani music, typically with six or seven finger holes.

Cultural Significance: Integral to Indian classical music, the bansuri is associated with pastoral themes and spiritual expression.

5. Quena (South America):

Description: A traditional Andean flute made from cane or wood, with six finger holes.

Cultural Significance: The quena is deeply rooted in Andean culture and is used in traditional folk music, often accompanying indigenous rituals and ceremonies.

6. Dizi (China):

Description: A Chinese bamboo flute with six finger holes and a unique membrane-covered hole.

Cultural Significance: The dizi has a long history in Chinese music and is associated with traditional folk melodies and classical compositions.

7. Native American Flute (North America):

Description: A simple wooden flute with a smooth, cylindrical design and five or six finger holes.

Cultural Significance: Played by Indigenous peoples of North America, the native flute is used in spiritual ceremonies and storytelling traditions.

Project / Portfolio 2

Journal Entry: A Day in Kathmandu

Today, Kathmandu embraced me with vibrant chaos. Pashupatinath's sacred buzz echoed, where saffron-clad seekers mingled with curious tourists. A princess passed, bows rippling through the crowd. Baudhnath, a haven of tranquility, unveiled its white stupa. The city danced with life—fruit vendors, flute melodies, and bustling streets. Indulging in local flavors—roasted corn and marzipan—I felt the heartbeat of Nepal. The flute seller's music, timeless and meditative, lingers in my soul. Choosing simplicity over complexity, I decided to fly home, ending my Kathmandu chapter, a blend of colors and serenity.

Portfolio/ Project 3

Discovering Kathmandu: A Chat with a Traveler

A Chat about Kathmandu

Mia: Hey! Kathmandu was incredible!

I: Really? Tell me about it.

Mia: Pashupatinath was bustling, with priests, cows, tourists – a lively mix!

I: Sounds chaotic.

Mia: Totally! Then, Baudhnath was calm, a huge white dome. Loved the Tibetan shops around.

I: Nice! What about the city vibe?

Mia: Oh, Kathmandu is vivid! Small shrines, street sounds, and I tried local treats.

I: Yum! Any unique experiences?

Mia: The flute seller! His music was like a journey through cultures.

I: Sounds amazing!

Mia: It was – full of colors, culture, and friendly faces.

I: That's awesome!

Reporting the Conversation 

In Kathmandu, I met Mia, a friendly traveler excited to talk about her trip. She loved Pashupatinath, a busy and spiritual place. Baudhnath, a quiet stupa, amazed her. Mia enjoyed local treats like roasted corn and marzipan, tasting the city's unique flavors. The flute seller's music, full of different sounds, stayed with her. Mia described Kathmandu as colorful, cultural, and friendly. Her journey was full of fun, learning, and the special spirit of this amazing city.