Objectives:
Identify the social, cultural, and historical context of the decade, and how it informs music of the time period.
Materials:
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Vietnam Timeline, available online from PBS
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Section 20.4 - “Protesting War” from Music! Its Role and Importance in Our Lives
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Equipment to play audio material
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Recording of “Fortunate Son” by Creedance Clearwater Revival
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Lyrics of “Fortunate Son”
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Recording of Jimi Hendrix-Star Spangled Banner, Woodstock
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Recording of “Blowin' In The Wind” by Bob Dylan
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Lyrics of “Blowin' In The Wind
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Large chart paper for students to write ideas
Students will participate in group discussion and debate as they examine three pieces of music. Instruct students to read through the Vietnam Timeline for homework prior to this class. As a warm-up at the start of class, students will read "Protesting War." Listen to "Fortunate Son," "Star Spangled Banner," and "Blowin' In The Wind" as a class.
Next, split students up into three groups, and randomly assign each group one of the songs. Each group must compile a list of observations and analyzations that support the idea that their song does the best job of communicating a message about the Vietnam War. Students should address:
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What is it that the performers are trying to express?
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How does the performer use musical elements such as instrumentation, tempo, dynamics, etc., to express that idea?
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How much of it is explicit and how much is implicit?
Once the students have had enough time to compile their argument, have them post their chart paper on the board in front of the class. Have students sit with their group members in a large circle facing the board as they present their findings. Encourage them to replay clips of the audio in order to support their arguments.
Now that students have heard argument for all three pieces, as an exit slip, or for homework, ask students to respond to the following:
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Of the three musical selections, which do you believe is the most powerful form of expression of during the Vietnam War era? Which do you believe does a better job of getting the message across?
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Of the three musical selections, which do you enjoy listening to the most and why? Is it the same one that you believe is the most powerful form of expression?