Learn About Patriotic Music

The following is a post from contributing writer Mary Prather.

Summer is a perfect time for relaxed composer/music study.

With Flag Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, it is fitting to explore our country’s best patriotic music.

Following are three ideas to learn about patriotic music.

{ These ideas are just springboards and suggestions. In my experience I have found a simple EXPOSURE to great music is better than nothing! Even if you do nothing other than play great patriotic music for your children, you will be giving them a huge gift!  }

Learn The Star Spangled Banner

• Watch this video  and sing along – encourage your children to learn all of the words.
• Print these Star Spangled visuals from The Crafty Classroom.
• Find The Star Spangled Banner by Peter Spier – this is such a well done book.
• Mama’s Learning Corner has a Francis Scott Key unit study – very nice!

Learn about John Philip Sousa – The March King

• Listen to the Classics for Kids episode about John Philip Sousa – there are also episodes about his individual marches
• Play Sousa’s marches for your children – here is a great playlist. Encourage your little ones to march with the music!
• Read Getting To Know The World’s Greatest Composers:  John Philip Sousa

Learn about Aaron Copland – One of America’s Greatest Composers

• Listen to the Classics for Kids episode about Aaron Copland. 
• Use the Super Quiet Uninterrupted Listening Time (SQUILT) Lesson from Homegrown Learners about Copland’s Hoedown
• Play Appalachian Spring over an extended time for your children. This is a beautiful piece that depicts an amazing part of our country. Encourage listeners to work on a large posterboard or piece of butcher paper – drawing what the music sounds like to them.

Have fun learning about patriotic music this summer!

Mary is a homeschooling mom of an 11 year old,  Anna and 8 year old, Grant.   She is a former elementary school music teacher and loves all things music!   She is a  reader, coffee drinker, book collector, and thinks her children are growing up way too quickly!  Visit her at Homegrown Learners.