Program Description
Student Recorded Songs
Title
Title
The American Heroes program, designed specifically for young students in grades 3, 4 and 5, is a celebration of real American heroes who have put aside their own self-interest to help others. The program begins with a look at everyday heroes such as police and firefighters, and moves quickly to African American heroes (John Henry), Native American heroes (Sacagawea), sports heroes (Puerto Rican born Roberto Clemente and African American Joe Louis), Hispanic heroes (César Chávez) and women heroes (Rosa Parks). Incorporating traditional forms of American music, poems, stories, art and theatrical performance, American Heroes draws inspiration from our country's rich tapestry of cultural history.
The program helps students answer the question, "What are the circumstances within which people of all economic, social, religious and cultural backgrounds emerge as 'heroes'?" The program enables students to expand their own definition of "hero" beyond that of the popular culture celebrities to which they are most frequently exposed. Students realize that, although uncelebrated, heroes and excellent role models in the form of their peers, teachers and parents surround them. Ultimately, each participant will be able to identify the hero within himself or herself.
American Heroes will consist of a series of classroom visits by ROAM artist/educators who work with students to develop songs, poems and stories about their own, personal heroes. During classroom instruction, students will come to understand how role models can positively influence their lives. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop an artistic project about a living or historic individual whom they view as a positive role model or hero.
At the end of the American Heroes residency, students will present their self-developed songs, poems, stories and skits about their heroes to an all-school assembly with musical accompaniment provided by Roots of American Music artists.
.
