Eleven Eleven March

November 11 is Veterans Day, as all Americans should know. But some of us also know it as "Eleven Eleven," as in "11/11" or the eleventh day of the eleventh month. (And in case you're keeping track of such things, this year, it will be 11/11/11!) If your school has a Veterans Day program or assembly, you may find this stately march perfect for your needs. It has a patriotic and inspiring sound to it, and it has lyrics so easy any student should be able to sing along. Even the audience could join in for some of it, or all of it if you project the lyrics. (Remember that we have PowerPoint® lyric pages that you can use, if you wish. These are free to subscribers. See page 77 for details.)

Since the piece is a march, you could let your students enter as a processional, marching to the beat. They could then stop and stand respectfully by the time they begin singing, or continue marching in place. If they march in place, let them stop at the bridge (measure 25) and resume at the D.S. (measure 9), marching to the end.

To make it more of an "event," consider adding the scarf, ribbon, or flag movements we have included on the music. Red, white, and blue are the obvious colors of choice for these, though you could go simpler with just red and blue. Divide bearers into at least two groups, each bearer holding one scarf in each hand. Have the two groups standing in alternating positions so that the movements also alternate. This will look quite effective even if it's not perfect. The movements on the music are just suggestions which you are welcome to alter or adapt freely as needed.