November 7, 2019 - Thursday

 Playing on the streets of Iraq, or in Israel or the Gaza strip, I'd sing angry protest songs against war. People would say, 'Make us clap, make us dance, and laugh and sing.' It really made me think about the importance of happy music. Michael Franti
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?q=music+about+war

You know, the thing that struck me about Civil War music was how bloody it was; it was full of hatred. There was incredible vitriol in it.

T Bone Burnett

In World War II, jazz absolutely was the music of freedom, and then in the Cold War, behind the Iron Curtain, same thing. It was all underground, but they needed the food of freedom that jazz offered.

Herbie Hancock

The Power of Music: https://www.npr.org/2011/06/01/136859090/the-power-of-music-to-affect-the-brain

More inspirational quotations: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/15-inspirational-quotes-power-music/

The Music of war

A. List of wars
B. Select one
C. Join a group
D. Find the music/ war song of the era (YouTube is grand for this!)
E. Find the history of the war/song.
F. Provide lyrics and artists
G. As a group, determine why this song was popular.

H. In what ways did your song/music inspire those involved with the war?

I.  Would the song be popular today? Why/why not?
J.  Prepare a visual - PowerPoint works.
K. Share your findings with the class. ( 3 1/2 munutes) 

Post ONE presentation per group. The first slide must include the song title, the war/dates, and the names of the people in the group.

Plan on letting us hear all or part of your "song."  Find a link to the lyrics so that we can see them while we listen.

Create a PowerPoint or other visual to use for links as you talk to us and allow us to listen. (E, F, G, H)



Preview of coming attractions- be thinking about a topic.  Right now, what topic is of interest to you?  By Tuesday, finalize your decision. 

The Impact of War

·         What is your topic?  How does war impact civilians? How does war impact soldiers? What is the aftermath of battle? What topics can be generated that relate to the topic? What topic did you select?

·         What is worth the cost of life?

·         How do we honor our soldiers? This could be a study of homecomings over time. You could also research military cemeteries or burial sites. Consider the tomb of the unknown  soldier for example.  Why do societies honor those whose identities are not known? Why are swords/crosses in military battle fields? What animals have played a powerful role in war?

You must have:

1.      An art selection
2.      Research from at least three respected sites
3.      One  interview with a  family member, friend, or classmate
4.     A quotation from literature or music or other famous source
5.     A news link (old or new)
6.   Reference to a play, movie, or television show

Possible topics

•   The music of war
•    Honoring those who died – final resting places
•   War in art
•   War in the movies or on stage 
•   Those left behind
•   Preparing for battle
• Why We Fight
•   Unlikely Heroes
•   Dogs in combat   
• Horses in combat
•   Weapons of war 
•   Prisoners of war
•   Other . . .

 III. Think of this essay as a work with three parts.

Part I: Introduction - Find something to capture the attention of your audience and to introduce your topic.

Part II: The Middle - this is where you bring your topic to life. Explain, use examples, quote experts, refer to movies, reference literature, talk about art, mention currant news stories, include an interview, etc.  Guide the reader through the essay. Make it come alive! Include in-text citations.

Part III: The conclusion - Wrap it up. Leave the reader with a clear understanding of the topic.