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Patriotic Music Celebrates the Fourth of July

By Scott Borsky

One of the best ways to introduce kids to American history and the Fourth of July is through spirited patriotic brass bands and lively lyrics that let kids know what all the fireworks are all about. Putting historically accurate text to music also aids memorization, so all those dates don't seem so dry. As a music teacher of young children, I have certainly noticed the joy kids feel when learning songs about America. Certainly the last year has brought out a patriotic feeling that children can't help but see, learn and live. All of my preschool graduation programs at various daycares this year have closed with the children singing "God Bless America." Even 3 and 4 year olds have taken to this song and their voices have been strong and their smiles have been wide.

There are many wonderful patriotic recordings for children. Here are just a few that I recommend:

For the very young child I would highly recommend Yankee Doodle Mickey by Disney Records. There is truly nothing happier than hearing Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald singing good old-fashioned American tunes. Plus, they are backed-up by a very talented choir of young voices.

For children who are a bit older, Gary Chalk's Yankee Doodle: A Revolutionary Tail is a fun way to teach an American history lesson. The book and songs begin with 16 traditional verses from the classic melody. The fun begins when Chalk brings in original lyrics and a cast of Eighteenth Century animals, who proceed to guide the reader through the entire revolution-from the Boston Tea Party to the British surrender at Yorktown. Not only are the lyrics packed with historical information, but each page contains notes with further explanations.

For first graders and older, America Rock is my favorite. As part of the Schoolhouse Rock series, this recording contains catchy tunes to help children memorize the Constitution's Preamble. The song, "No More Kings," provides an easily graspable understanding of the motivation behind the revolutionary war. Other songs on the CD cover issues like westward expansion, immigration and women's suffrage.

As stated in previous columns, "piggyback songs" (lesson teaching lyrics placed onto well-known melodies) are also wonderful ways to learn about various holidays. Here is one of my favorite piggyback songs for the Fourth of July:

Sung to "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

Wave, wave, wave the flag Hold it very high Watch the colors gently wave Way up to the sky

March, march, march around Hold the flag up high Wave, wave, wave the flag Way up to the sky.

Scott Borsky is a local musical entertainer for children and a music teacher at various area schools. He may be reached at (215) 632-8934 or CantorScott@webtv.net.