And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

Midnight Rider Virtual Museum- Hall 5, Composing a Song

Music from the Revolution

Over two hundred and twenty five years ago, our founding fathers and mothers fought for freedom from England with the American Revolutionary War. During this time period, the people in the American Colonies and in Great Britain sang many songs. These songs helped people forget how a war can be terrible and aided in rallying people to defend their beliefs. It was also quite funny to make fun of the enemy through music. Did you know that some of these songs are still sung today?

Click on the link below and visit the “Music of the Revolution” in Hall 5 of the

The Midnight Rider Virtual Museum. Become familiar with this music and learn about the importance of these songs. As you listen to the various songs, think about the significance of these words that empowered people so long ago.

http://www.cvesd.k12.ca.us/finney/paulvm/h5_musicfrmset.html

You have just been commissioned by the army to write a song about the revolution. Decide on your point of view. You can choose to be a Patriot, fighting for freedom, or you can choose to be a Loyalist, wanting the colonists to follow the king. You will use the link below and become a “songwriter." You need to select which song that you will recreate with new words. Remember that your point of view will be either Patriot or Loyalist, singing a song to rally your cause. Use the online rhyming dictionary (found beneath the activity) to help you write your song. Write your rough draft on the songwriter’s paper. You will then need to edit and publish your final copy of your version of “The Songs of Revolution” using a word processing program.

http://www.cvesd.k12.ca.us/finney/paulvm/h5_songactivity.html

Remember to think about -

Which side of the conflict will you praise in your song?

If someone else was to sing your version of the song, will they be able to truly feel as if they are a British soldier, Loyalist sympathizer or a Patriotic freedom fighter, through your poetic use of words, phrases and images?