Driving Question
As band members we often are asked to play for such events as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. There is a reason that these events occur yearly and are so significant in the United States of American. In this lesson I ask students...
Why is Veterans Day important?
Link to History of Veterans Day via United States Department of Veteran Affairs
(photo courtesy of http://www.veteransday.quotesms.com)
Content Standards/Outcomes
MU:Cn11.0.E.Hs novice
Demonstrate understanding of relationships between music and the other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.
21st Century Skills
Students will be implementing a variety 21st Century Skills. Aligning with Partnership for 21st Century Learning, The focus will be on the skills associated with "Key Subjects and 21st Century Themes." This includes global awareness and civic literacy.
Habits of Mind (soft skills)
The Oxford Dictionary defines soft skills as...
"Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people."
Pikes Peak Association for Gifted students outlines a series of soft skills (Habits of the Mind Chart). One significant soft skill to be gained from this activity is #11, Creating, Imagining, and Innovating. The focus of the driving question is open-ended to the point where students are able to use their personal experiences and research to create new and innovative ways as to the importance of Veterans Day.
Lesson Activities
#1.) The band rehearses 2 veterans day assembly tunes, Star Spangled Banner and Salute America (patriotic musical medley including Yankee Doodle, You're a Grand Old Flag, and Yankee Doodle Boy).
#2.) Students will research the history of Veterans Day, relating the content to current events and coming to a conclusion as to why Veterans Day is important.
#3.) A Veteran who played in the army band and continues to play bugle at veteran funerals will come and discuss his viewpoint as to the importance of Veterans Day. He will also discuss his role as a musician involving veterans.
#4.) Students will perform the week of Veterans Day with the choir for the community and student body.
Learning Assessment/Student Engagement
Students will use a Standards-Based Assessment tool which is currently used consistently in the band classroom. Click the link below to view an overview and reflection of the tool.
Student Reflection Activity
Students will reflect by writing a letter to a military veteran or a military person on active duty. The letter will include the reason why Veterans Day is important.
Final Thoughts
The goal is that students use real-world learning to discover the importance of Veterans Day. This will give deeper meaning to their role as musicians and as citizens of the United States of America.
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