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Band Directors Talk Shop

Happy Birthday Sousa

28 Oct
Veterans Day Music Lesson Plan

Did you know John Philip Sousa’s birthday is November 6th? What better way to celebrate  his birthday than to teach your students about the music of one of the greatest American composers in history and longtime director of the President’s Own Marine Band!

John Philip Sousa Music Lesson Plan

Learning about Sousa’s lifetime is fascinating:

  • One dozen eggs cost only 7 cents
  • Model T cars were first sold in 1908 for $850
  • Life expectancy was 47
  • Alexander Graham Bell patents the telephone
  • Mickey Mouse is born (Steamboat Willie premiers)
  • 17 states joined the US
  • Composers included Foster, Elgar, Puchini, Mahler, Debussy, Joplin and Rachmoninoff

Students will love researching the events during Sousa’s lifetime.  Following is a great cross-curricular Music/History Worksheet for FREE!  This blank worksheet is great for when you need to keep students occupied while you are testing other students. It is also great for substitutes! Students have the opportunity to guess or research what life was like when Sousa was alive.  For example, what inventions were being made, what transportation they had, the cost of groceries and what type of games kids played.  No iphones to be found from 1854-1932!

Click HERE for the FREE “During the life of John Philip Sousa Worksheet.”

Want students to HEAR Sousa’s Music and SEE the US Marine Band? Check out this FULL 50 minute lesson plan which includes a slide show, engaging videos & audio as well as 2 worksheets and a group activity.  Have a plan for your substitute and engage your students while you are away!

John Philip Sousa Music Lesson Plan

Motivate, encourage and excite your students about band as they hear top-notch musicians expertly play some of John Philip Sousa’s most famous works.  It is important for students to model good sounds and technique – the President’s Own Marine Band couldn’t be a more perfect example!

Click here to view the full substitute plan. 

Thank you to those of you who have served in the United States Military.
We are forever grateful for your service!

Beginning Band Facebook Group

Related Reading:
Beginner Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a Non-Music Sub)
Lessons from Almost a Half Century of Teaching
Band Director Tricks of the Trade

Patriotic Mystery Tunes

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Band Directors Talk Shop is all about helping you be a better band director so your students can be better musicians.  It is a collaborative effort of band directors, former band directors, private lesson teachers and fine arts administrators. Learn.  Posts will strive to teach you something you can use in your classroom today. ... Read More about About Us

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