Submitted by Dan Leopold, Riverdale, New York

Idea posted October 14, 2002

STANDARD 1 - CREATING, PERFORMING, AND PARTICIPATING IN THE ARTS

Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts (dance, music, theater, and visual arts) and participate in various roles in the arts.

STANDARD 2 - UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIMENSIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ARTS

Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.

Goal: Students will explore the lyrical and musical aspects of different state songs and make connections with their knowledge of social studies.
Objectives:
1. Review fingerings for the beginning of Yankee Doodle - the Connecticut State Anthem - (G and F#)
2. Introduce the lyrics and melodies for the state songs of Arkansas and Arizona
Materials: Recorders, State Anthem Packets
Procedure:
1. Teacher will ask students to pass out recorders and song packets.
2. Teacher will engage students in a "Simon Says" styled recorder warm-up that covers the fingers of G to F# on the recorder.
3. Teacher will break class up into groups of 3, with one student mentoring the other two students.
4. Teacher will regroup the class as a whole to review together Yankee Doodle and ask questions about the music.
5. Teacher will ask student to collect and put away recorders.
6. Teacher will ask students to turn to Arizona in the packet and go over the words.
7. Teacher will play the music and instruct the students to listen or sing along.
8. Teacher will ask for observations about the style of the music.
9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the Arkansas State Song if time permits.
10. Close with reminder about the schoolwide music points Ice Cream Competition.
Evaluation:
1. Were students able to successfully finger G and F# while playing Yankee Doodle?
2. Were students participating in singing the state anthem(s)?
3. Were students able to ask or answer relevant question regarding the lyrics or the music style of the anthem(s)?