Introduce the lesson by showing Cuba on the Map. Ask: Can anyone find Cuba on the map here? While dragging the cursor to uncover the countries surrounding Cuba, ask follow up questions. Can anyone see what country is just above Cuba? (That’s right! Just above and to the left, you can see the United States of America–most notably the state of Florida). What other countries are near Cuba? (Students may point out countries in the Caribbean or Central America, or Mexico.) Drag the cursor to show the distance between Cuba and the location of your lesson.

Explain that all of the different countries, within close proximity to one another, have unique cultures, histories, and music. Now that students have a foundational understanding of the ukulele and how to create sound with the instrument, they will travel through the Americas to discover some of these musical styles. Students will also learn new songs to sing and play using the ukulele.

Using the Son Cubano handout, give students a brief background into the components and instruments of the Son Cubano style of music. Draw particular attention to the instruments featured in the handout. Ask: Have you seen or played the (maracas, bongos, timbales, or conga drum) before? Where have you seen these instruments?

Tell students that they are going to see an excerpt of a live performance of “Guantanamera” (the song they will learn in the lesson) by famous Cuban singer, Celia Cruz. Play Guantanamera, performed by Celia Cruz, stopping the video at approximately 1:55. Ask: Did you see some of the instruments we mentioned earlier? (conga drum, bongos, timbales). Did you notice times when the singing was almost like a conversation? Remind students that while the chorus was sung as an ensemble, other parts of the song featured Celia in a call and response style with other singers in the group.