Understand music in relation to history and culture.
Materials
Pledge of Allegiance poster (or words)
United States flag
Optional: United States map to show the thirteen original colonies
Instructions
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance together.
Why do you think it is important to know the Pledge of Allegiance? (It is a promise of our loyalty to our country.)
What are some ways to show respect for the US flag? (Examples: When the Pledge is recited or the national anthem is sung, we take off our hats and hold our hand over our hearts. We never let the flag touch the ground. We fold the flag in a special way.)
Review the meaning of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance. If desired, this can be a word/definition matching game.
pledge: make a promise
allegiance: loyalty
republic: government of representatives elected by the people
indivisible: cannot be divided
liberty: freedom
justice: fairness
As you listen to this song, what information do we learn about the U.S. flag?
The thirteen stripes on the flag represent the first 13 colonies. (If desired, show the locations on the map: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.)
The red color on the flag symbolizes valor (courage). The white color symbolizes purity. The blue color symbolizes vigilance (watchfulness) and justice.
There are 50 stars on the flag to symbolize 50 states.
Sing Voice 1 together. Echo-sing each phrase until confident. Emphasize the syncopated rhythms. What other patriotic song is sung a bit in this song? ("You're A Grand Old Flag") Be sure to also focus on the melodic changes at the end of the song when for all is sung.
Sing Voice 2 together. Echo-sing each phrase until confident. Make sure not to rush the half notes for thirteen stripes and red and white. Emphasize the tied notes on the word view.
Divide the class into two groups to sing in harmony. If desired, repeat the song to take turns singing voices 1 and 2.
This would be a great song to perform as an introduction to a patriotic program! Costumes, flags, and choreography may be added for dramatic effect. Some suggested holidays include: President's Day (3rd Monday of February), Flag Day (June 14), Fourth of July, Patriot Day (September 11), and Veteran's Day (November 11).
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