Presidents’ Day: The Music of John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa,

“The March King,”

composed music to rouse Americans

to move and dance

celebrating the promise of Patriotism.

On your feet.

March.

March.

March.

“The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

A reminder that our flag

(and all that it symbolizes)

endures.

Our Democracy.

Forever.

Teacher’s Note: On the Tuesday after the Presidents’ Day holiday, greet students with the rousing music of John Philip Sousa, especially “The Stars and Stripes Forever” (youtube/about 4 -5 minutes).

1.     Play the song. March around the room. Someone could lead by carrying the classroom flag.

2.     Talk about Symbol. What is it? (A symbol is something concrete that stands for an abstract idea.)

3.     Discuss the lyrics as poetry. Find them at songfacts.com.