Crafting a song list for a school community is often neglected as teachers grapple with limited time for planning and coordination, relying on their favorite songs and teaching methods. Despite the potential of teaching to engage and unite a school community across students' primary and secondary education, the transient nature of education sometimes hinders building on previous learning. Developing a strong, unified curriculum requires dedicated planning and coordinated efforts across grade levels, embodying Bill Gates' insight that we tend to overestimate short-term progress and underestimate long-term achievements.
The Neglected Harmony
Too often, the task of curating a school-wide song list takes a back seat, overshadowed by other pressing responsibilities. Yet, the potential of music to unite and resonate with students throughout their educational journey is immeasurable. The key lies in building upon what students have learned, ensuring a continuous and evolving musical experience.
The Foundation of Singing
At the heart of music education is singing, a foundational skill that can be nurtured from preschool onwards. Research consistently emphasizes the importance of singing, movement, and experiencing the joy of music, forming the groundwork for a lifelong musical connection. As literacy is added to this foundation, it should complement, not replace, the act of singing (and playing instruments) with joy and expression.
A Musical Time Capsule
The songs students sing today become the melodies they play in instrumental studies in later years. Solfege and rhythm syllables learned through singing pave the way for instrumental proficiency. Teachers play a crucial role in encouraging students to sing through their instruments, creating a seamless transition from vocal to instrumental expression.
Crafting a Flexible Song List
While there was a notable effort with MENC's "Get America Singing... Again," a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable for diverse communities today. A flexible song list acknowledges the uniqueness of each community, allowing for adaptation and updates. It serves as a reminder of the songs that can be embraced by everyone in the school and community, fostering a shared musical repertoire.
Inclusivity Through Song
The selection of songs should be diverse, representing various genres, cultures, and all ethnicities. From pop and jazz standards to patriotic and folk tunes, the list should encapsulate a rich musical tapestry. Inclusivity ensures that every student sees themselves in the songs they sing and play, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
Bridging Generations
The responsibility of teaching these songs extends beyond elementary levels. Middle and high school teachers play a vital role in celebrating a shared repertoire of songs while exploring rich musical literature. The connection to our past, families, communities, nation, and the world is nurtured through the songs that bridge generations.
A Personal Song List
The author of this blog, currently teaching elementary general music, band, and chorus, shares a personal song list categorized into American Patriotic, Inspirational/Community Building, and Multicultural songs. The list is not complete, especially in the area of multicultural songs and jazz standards, but rather invites reflection and collaboration. The goal is to encourage a collective effort in keeping the school and community singing.
Join the Harmony
As the author invites readers to reflect and share their own song lists, the blog concludes with a rallying call to keep the music alive in schools and communities. By engaging in this collective effort, we might just succeed in getting America singing (and playing instruments) again.
American Patriotic
National Anthem
America, the Beautiful
America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Inspirational and/or Community Building
Auld Lang Syne
Home on the Range
Kumbaya
Shenandoah
Simple Gifts
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
This Land Is Your Land
This Little Light Of Mine
We Shall Overcome
What A Wonderful World
Multicultural Songs
Banuwa - West African
Björnen Sover - Norwegian, Swedish
De Colores - Spanish
Dodo Ti Pitit Manman - Haitian
Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower) - Chinese
Samba Lele - Portuguese
Shalom Chaverim (Shalom Friends) - Hebrew
Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) - Japanese
Suo Gan - Welsh
Zimbolé - African
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