July Music Lesson-Celebrate America!

Did you know that there are many styles or genres of music that were first created in the USA? In this lesson, you will learn about 3 different genres of music that were created in our country! Because the US is a country of immigrants, many of these genres borrow from musical cultures around the world.

Indigenous American cultural music will not be discussed here because these tribes and their cultures were well established before the USA as a country, and will get their own unit during the school year.

By the end of this lesson you should have a better understanding of genres of Patriotic music, Jazz, and Country. You should be able to talk about your preferences of genre as well as individual songs within a genre of music.

**NOTE: Make sure you make the videos full screen, or open in a new tab**

Patriotic Music

Patriotism can be defined as devotion and respect for one´s country by Oxford dictionary. To me, that patriotism is being proud of my country and wanting to be a part of making it the best it can be.

Take a minute to decide what patriotism means to you. Discuss it with others. Do you have the same ideas or different ideas?

It is okay for us to have different ideas about what partiotism means to us, and have different ideas about how to show patriotism. As long as we are being safe and well-meaning!

Patriotic music is music that celebrates America, and what it means to be an American. Below are 2 different ways that composers (people who write music) create patriotic music.

John Phillip Sousa

John Phillip Sousa was called the King of Marches. Most of his music was patriotic, and if you have ever gone to a fireworks show or 4th of July celebration, you have probably heard some of his songs! click on the picture of him to read about him and listen to his music. Which song did you like the best? What did you like about it?

The Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner is the name a song that is the American national anthem. Most countries have a song that they have chosen to represent their country and its values called a national anthem. Have you heard this song before? I bet you have!

Use the links to watch a video about the history of the Star Spangled Banner and to do a sing-a-long version. Feel free to record yourself and send it in!

Patriotic music does not have to be classical, there are a lot of examples of popular music that is also patriotic. Look it up!

Jazz

Jazz is a style of music that uses a lot of improvisation which means creating music on the spot. (Without a lot of practice) The movie Soul is about a music teacher who is also a Jazz musician! Like a lot of American music, Jazz music started in the African American community. Click on the picture to access a Brain Pop lesson about Jazz.

Country Music

Country music evolved out of the folk songs of America. Folk songs are songs that are usually passed down from family to family and are popular in the rural (farming) areas of a country. They are songs that everyone in a certain cultural area would know and be able to sing or dance to.

Video about Country Music

Learn a little more about Country!

Country Dance!

Try this dance to a famous country song! Record your dance and send it in!

For an ending activity: Discuss what music you liked and disliked with someone in your family. Ask them if they like these genres of music and what their favorite songs from these genres are. Feel free to send an email to Mrs. Dean if you want to share what you discussed!

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