September 14 - An Important Day!

In music classes we have been talking a lot about the Star-Spangled Banner  as well as other patriotic songs as we begin this year.   
 September 14 is the 204th  anniversary of Francis Scott Key writing of the poem, "In Defense of Ft. McHenry" which later became known to us as our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner.  

Mary Pickersgill was known as one of the top flag makers in Baltimore.  Major George Armistead wanted something flying over the garrison guarding Baltimore's waterfront that would be seen by the British, even from a distance.  Mary was commissioned to make the flag...30 by 42 feet....it required 300 yards of wool, and had 2-foot wide stripes as well as 15 stripes and stars.  She had to work on the flag in a nearby brewry as her own home wasn't even large enough.  Taking 6 weeks to sew with the help of about 5 other women, Mary Pickersgillcompleted the flag and was paid $405.90 for her work.  The main flag weighed about 50 pounds (23 kg), and it took 11 men to raise it onto a 90-foot (27-meter) flagpole.  There was also a smaller storm version that flew during the battle, costing $168.54. 

In addition to reviewing proper etiquette while singing the Star-Spangled Banner, students have done a variety of activities to reinforce the lyrics as well as the pattern of colors in our flag for the younger students.  We are all very proud to be citizens of our country!

Happy Birthday Star-Spangled Banner

In music classes we have been talking a lot about the Star-Spangled Banner this year.  September 14 was the 200th anniversary of Francis Scott Key writing of the poem, "In Defense of Ft. McHenry" which later became known to us as our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner.

Mary Pickersgill was known as one of the top flag makers in Baltimore.  Major George Armistead wanted something flying over the garrison guarding Baltimore's waterfront that would be seen by the British, even from a distance.  Mary was commissioned to make the flag...30 by 42 feet....it required 300 yards of wool, and had 2-foot wide stripes as well as 15 stripes and stars.  She had to work on the flag in a nearby brewry as her own home wasn't even large enough.  Taking 6 weeks to sew with the help of about 5 other women, Mary Pickersgill completed the flag and was paid $405.90 for her work.  The main flag weighed about 50 pounds (23 kg), and it took 11 men to raise it onto a 90-foot (27-meter) flagpole.  There was also a smaller storm version that flew during the battle, costing $168.54.
In addition to reviewing proper etiquette while singing the Star-Spangled Banner, students have done a variety of activities.  Younger students colored flags (not an easy task for a kindergartener!), noting the order of the colors of the stripes on the flag.  

Students also learned about length, width, and perimeter as we measured the actual size of the flag!

We celebrated the 200th Anniversary as a school body Monday morning.  We of course sang the Star-Spangled Banner and then measured the size in the gym.  Then we wanted to see if the entire student body would fit inside of the area of the flag!  Well, we EASILY fit the entire elementary students and teachers inside the flag (somewhere around 300) and had lots of room to spare!  Students agreed that the junior high and high school would probably have easily fit in too!  Here we are singing the Star-Spangled Banner together.  The yellow rope represents the perimeter of the flag.

It's A Star-Spangled Year!

I haven't posted a blog for quite awhile...since July!  It was a very busy summer for me, not home very much!  I will try to be more consistent now that we are back in the swing of the school year!  We have complete 2 weeks of school already!  Students and teachers are back into school routines, and time is already flying!  

This is our Star-Spangled Year!  Know why?  This year is the 200th anniversary of the writing of the lyrics of our Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key! There is a very interesting story that goes with the adventure that Francis Scott Key had while writing these lyrics!  Ask your children about it!   To learn more details about the battle at Ft. McHenry and how Francis Scott Key came to be there to witness it, go HERE.
Adding to our local celebration will be a Star-Spangled performance by the 2nd and 3rd graders on October 21.  We are already learning some of the selections we will sing.  One of our favorites already is a song entitled, "Mount Rushmore" by Karl Hitzemann.  It's a beautiful song.  Many of the students have been to visit Mount Rushmore, so this song means a lot!  We have also explored how Mount Rushmore was made, how big it is, and what each of the presidents represented has done for our country.  They will be singing traditional patriotic songs as well as some new, star-spangled melodies.

We have been focusing on our breathing while singing.  These students are practicing their breathing while lying down.  Students are able to see the rise and fall of their diaphragms as they inhale and exhale.  We can tell it makes a difference in our singing when we think about these things!  We talk about phrasing and breathing as we sing our songs.
Kindergarten and first graders have been singing to the book "Brown Bear Brown Bear" by Eric Carle.  We put our own spin on the book by using the melody we sang and using our own unique animals!  

I have a collection of zoopal plates which are, unfortunately, not sold any more.  I think that music teachers bought all of the inventory!  These work well for reviewing not only our song, but colors, animals, and syllables (rhythm) in language. This is also a good way for me to assess their singing voices as we begin our year. Even if you can't buy zoopals, you can still play online games with them!  The kids love these games too!  They have been exploring them in technology class!  You can find them here!

Amazing America

Madison Rising has released the theme song for the new program "Amazing America" on the Sportsman Channel with Sarah Palin, premiering April 3. You might recall the awesome Star-Spangled Banner from Madison Rising.  This new release is another hit celebrating the American spirit and pride in our country.
As for the new show, Sarah Palin will be on the road, exploring the hunting and fishing lifestyles of Americans.  According to her press interview with USA Today:

 it's "not going to be some kind of fake scripted reality show" but will "showcase people, places and things in order to restore, fundamentally, what makes America great,"  

A Day to Honor

Veterans Day is a special day around here.  Our local American Legion has a delegation that comes to school to share their experiences with our students.  Music is prepared and performed, poems are written and read - all in honor of those who have served our country.  We are proud to be Americans, and grateful for the service of our Veterans.  If you see a Veteran today or any other day, thank them for their service.  They willingly served, knowing that they may die in that service.  That's quite a commitment to make - to die for our fellow man.  Thank you Veterans for all you have done to preserve our way of life.

To see photos from our celebration today, click HERE! 

This year, we chose the song "Armed Forces - The Pride of America!" as our selection.  The students enjoyed learning about each branch's song and the story behind TAPS.  Here's a video of the selection, played by the SWAU Wind Symphony.

"The Caisson Song" by Edmond L. Gruber (Army)

"The Marine's Hymn" Words by Henry C. Davis, music traditional (Marines)

"Anchors Away" by Capt. Alfred H. Miiles and Charles Zimmerman (Navy)

"Always Ready" by Captain Francis Saltus Van Boskerck (Coast Guard)

"The US Airforce" by Robert Crawford (Air Force)

"The Star-Spangled Banner" words by Francis Scott Key, music by John Stafford Smith 

 

And another version, with the lyrics sung for the songs.  By Portland Ensign Choir and Orchestra

More on our Flag...

Thanks to my friend Kristin Lukow for sharing this great news article on CBS Sunday Morning today!

Check your Answers!

Here Are The Answers!!!

The Star-Spangled Banner was.....

Made in Baltimore, Maryland, in July-August 1813 by flagmaker Mary Pickersgill, her daughter, 2 nieces, and an indentured servant.

Commissioned by Major George Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry

Original size: 30 feet by 42 feet

15 stars and 15 stripes

Raised over Fort McHenry on the morning of September 14, 1814, to signal American victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore; the sight inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Preserved by the Armistead family as a memento of the battle

The letter"A" was sewn into the original flag by Louisa Armistead, widow of the commander of Fort McHenry.

First loaned to the Smithsonian Institution in 1907; converted to permanent gift in 1912.

The Star-Spangled Banner officially became our National Anthem in the year of 1931.

Happy Anniversary Star-Spangled Banner!

Star-Spangled Quiz

O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?

Francis Scott key wrote the poem, "In Defense of Fort McHenry" September 14, 1814.  This poem later became our National Anthem. See if you know the information below. 

Can you fill in the mission information about the Star-Spangled Banner Flag???????

Made in ________________, in July-August 1813 by flagmaker ______________, her daughter, 2 nieces, and an indentured servant.
Commissioned by Major George Armistead, commander of Fort __________
Original size: _________________
__________ stars and _________ stripes 
Raised over Fort McHenry on the morning of _____________, to signal American victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore; the sight inspired (who) ____________ to write “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Preserved by the ___________ family as a memento of the battle
The letter _____ was sewn into the original flag by Louisa Armistead, widow of the commander of Fort McHenry.
First loaned to the _______________________ in 1907; converted to permanent gift in 1912.
The Star-Spangled Banner officially became our National Anthem in the year of _______.

(Answers tomorrow!)

The Star-Spangled Banner by the Gaither Vocal Band

The anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner is tomorrow!  Francis Scott Key penned the words to the poem "In Defense of Fort McHenry" on September 14, 1814.  Here's a version of our National Anthem sung by the Gaither Vocal Band.  Beautiful, inspirational, well done!  This group, led by Bill Gaither, certainly raises the bar for male harmony and excellence in musicianship!

"THAT'S A BIG FLAG!"

Music was "hands-on" this week.  Classes measured how big the original Star-Spangled Banner was that inspired Francis Scott Key to write his poem "In Defense of Ft. McHenry".  We borrowed a measuring wheel, and headed outside!  It was a beautiful cool day, so we enjoyed that as well!  Students held crepe paper as we measured out the 30' x 42' rectangle.  Most students were surprised at how big it was.  We estimated how many students might fit inside that rectangle (perhaps 200 if they were all kindergarteners!), we discussed the reasons why it was made so large, and we were in awe at the tireless effort put in by flag maker Mary Pickersgill as she, along with family and nearby neighbors, sewed the flag by hand in only 6 weeks!  This Saturday, September 14, is the anniversary of Francis Scott Key writing of the poem "In Defense of Ft. McHenry", later to become the Star-Spangled Banner. Students will celebrate together by singing our National Anthem as a school Monday morning, September 16.

2nd Graders measuring the area of the Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner

We've been learning about the history behind the Star-Spangled Banner in school.  One of the videos we watched this week was this one -  the Star-Spangled Banner played by Jake Shimabukuro on his ukulele.  Jake has quite a few recording on YouTube if you want to take a listen!

O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave?

I love Madison Rising's version of our national anthem.  Here it is in honor of all those who have bravely served our country!!

A Day to Remember...

Memorial Day is a day set aside in the United States to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.  It is always an honor to participate in some way in honoring our soldiers.  Take time today to thank a soldier who is still living as well as honor those who have died.  
Here's a short video with the history of Memorial Day.

Anniversary of the adoption of the Star-Spangled Banner as our national anthem.

The bill designating "The Star-Spangled Banner" as our national anthem was adopted by the US Senate and went to President Herbert Hoover for signature on March 3, 1931. The President signed it the same day. The words were first written by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814, as a poem titled, "The Defense of Fort McHenry."

Did You Know?

REMEMBER TO VOTE TODAY!!!

by spacechimpmedia. Browse more data visualization.

Madison Rising

"Madison Rising brings great rock music back to the forefront of popular culture. With songs ranging from the guitar heavy opening track "Right To Bear," to the hauntingly epic sounds of "Honk If You Want Peace," to the beautiful violins of "Hallowed Ground," it is clear that this band is on a mission to not only make great music, but also send a message that American culture is alive and well."

I first heard this band the other day when I listened/watched their rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Their first album was launched in October, 2011. They have several other songs recorded as well, all with a positive focus on our country. Read more about them at Madison Rising. There are several of their videos located on KickStarter as well. Take a moment to listen to their rendition of our National Anthem.

Congress sings God Bless America 9-11-01

Congress spontaneously breaks into "God Bless America" on steps of capitol at 9/11 news conference

We Will Never Forget!

Today is a day that many of us will never forget...we will remember where we were on September 11, 2001 - the moment our country was attacked by terrorists.

On that Tuesday morning, 19 terrorists from the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets. The hijackers intentionally piloted two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City; both towers collapsed within two hours.

The hijackers also intentionally crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and intended to pilot the fourth hijacked jet, United Airlines Flight 93, into the United States Capitol Building[2] in Washington, D.C.; however, the plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its passengers attempted to take control of the jet from the hijackers.

Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks, including the 246 civilians and 19 hijackers aboard the four planes, none of whom survived.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks

Let's remember today the lives lost, the lives changed forever...our country was changed forever. The design of the 9-11 Memorial has special significance. The two reflecting pools are in the same place as the two towers once stood. The design name is "Reflecting Absence." The water constantly running and disappearing into the void signifies ongoing life.

Take a few minutes to view these 40 Powerful Images from the 9-11 Memorial.

Labor Day History - 11 Facts You Need To Know

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.--Martin Luther King Jr.

For most of us, Labor Day is simply a day off of work. Have you ever wondered where the holiday originated? It wasn't in the United States! When was the first Labor Day celebrated in the United States? What are some Labor Day traditions? Here's an interesting slide show from Huffington Post detailing facts about the Labor Day Holiday!

Remember those Lyrics!

Music students are continuing to review and learn the lyrics to our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. Many of the older children are pretty good at remembering the lyrics, while the Kindergarten and First Graders have more of a challenge! All students are excellent at showing respect for our Flag as they stand and sing (as much as they can remember!) of our National Anthem. We also stress other ways to show respect such as hands on our hearts, hats off, no visiting etc. The Kindergarten and First Grade students colored their very own flag the other day. It's unique in that the lyrics to the first verse of the Star-Spangled Banner is printed on the stripes! Did you know that Frances Scott Key actually wrote FIVE verses for the Star-Spangled Banner? Here are a few shots of our "lyrical flags"!