In class today, we discussed what makes a song patriotic. Patriotic songs are about our country's history, its foundation, and its ideals.
Patriotic songs pay tribute to our country. They serve to encourage national unity. These songs include hymns, military themes, national songs, and music from stage and screen, as well as songs adapted from poems. Much of American patriotic music originated from four main wars - the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Spanish American War.
Go to the following website: http://www.usa-flag-site.org/songs.shtml.
Choose a song from the list. Listen to it (Listening Corner), as you read the lyrics. [Suggestion - Read the lyrics several times.] Answer the following questions, and be prepared to share this information (oral report) with your class on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Your oral presentation will be taped. Rehearse it in advance. Know how to pronounce and enunciate every word. Know the meaning of everything you say.
Your written assignment is due Wednesday, May 19, during class. Answer in complete sentences as though you are telling a story(narrative). Spelling, grammar, and punctuation count. Your assignment must be typed using 12 pt. font, Times Roman. Margins must be 1" around. [This assignment counts as a major test grade.]
1. What is the title of your patriotic song?
2. Who is (are) the composer(s)? (There may be a lyricist and composer.)
3. When was the music composed?
4. Why is this music patriotic (elements of patriotism)? (3 sentences)
5. Name three (3) historical events or facts occurring at the time the music was composed.
6. What inspired the composer to write this piece?
7. Describe the music elements of this piece (melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, timbre, texture, dynamics), and how they contribute to its purpose.
