Patriotic Music

In this unit, we will listen to and play a variety of patriotic songs, and learn about their backgrounds. Students will complete a project of their choice at the end of the unit.

Listen

• The Star Spangled Banner: Lyrics by Francis Scott Key, Music by John Stafford Smith
  • Mormon Tabernacle Choir
  • Not just one verse!
  • Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock
  • Guess who's singing!
• America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee): Lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith
  • Washington National Cathedral Choir
• America the Beautiful: Lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates, Music by Samuel A. Ward
  • Ray Charles
  • Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• God Bless America: Words and Music by Irving Berlin
  • Kate Smith
  • Sgt. Dan Clark
• This Land is Your Land: Words and Music by Woody Guthrie
  • Woody Guthrie
  • Pete Seeger
• Yankee Doodle: Folk song from the 18th century
  • With Lyrics
• These Green Mountains (Vermont State Song): Composed by Diane Martin and Arranged by Rita Buglass Gluck
  • Charlotte Central School

Analyze

• How does each song express how the composer feels about our country?
• Is it easy or hard to sing or perform? Why?

Play

Create

Our final project for this unit is open ended. Choose from one of these options.

• Write an essay about whether or not the Star Spangled Banner should be our National Anthem. (individual)
• Create a presentation or video about the history and famous performances of one of these songs. (individual or group)
• Compose and perform (or record) a new patriotic/state/school song. (individual or group)
• Create a recording of one of these songs of you singing and accompanying yourself on ukulele/piano/guitar- you may use multiple tracks (individual) or in a band (group)