STUDENT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
SONGS THAT SHAPED A NATION
This assembly features two stories– stories about the origins
of famous American songs. If you’ve got a loud voice and you’re comfortable in front of large crowds, then
you might like to help bring these stories to life. Have fun and join other students in recreating important
moments in American history.
Would you like to participate in the
Songs That Shaped a Nation assembly?
Read BOTH sides of this handout, then,
ask yourself:
p Do the stories and character descriptions
look interesting to you?
p Can you see yourself pretending to be any of
the characters the stories?
p Let your teacher know right away because
there are a limited number of characters.
As a participant, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Before the assembly:
Memorize your character’s spoken line and make note of
the character description.
On the assembly day:
Arrive in the gym thirty minutes before the assembly begins.
You’ll be given a costume piece and receive instructions.
During the assembly:
Listen carefully to the telling of the story. You’ll receive
very clear cues (signal) when to move or speak your line.
STORY 1:
Yankee Doodle and the Redcoats
4 FIFTH GRADE BOYS AND/OR GIRLS NEEDED
This story takes place during the 1770’s, before and during America’s
war for independence from Britain. It relates how “Yankee Doodle”
first became a popular American song during the Revolution.
CHARACTERS
1. Yankee Doodle– is a typical colonial American.
Proud and not happy to be ruled by the British.
WEARS: vest, hat, and rides a “pony.”
LINE: “What do you think of your song now, smarty pants!”
Two British soldiers stationed in the American colonies think that
the colonial Americans should behave and be good British subjects.
2. British Soldier 1– is serious.
WEARS: coat & hat
LINE: “Look at that American. What a doodle!”
3. British Soldier 2– is goofier and likes to tease
WEARS: coat & hat
LINE: (laughs) “He thinks he’s a macaroni!” (extended laugh)
4. one understudy– is needed in case of an absence.
Be able to play any character in either story.
If no one is absent you’ll be a townsperson who yells,
“Taxation without representation is tyranny!”
TURN OVER FOR STORY 2 ‘s DESCRIPTION
STORY 2:
The Story of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
7 FOURTH GRADE BOYS AND/OR GIRLS ARE NEEDED
The main action of this story takes place on September 21, 1814
on a ship in the Patapsco River. That’s where Francis Scott Key,
inspired by the sight of the U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry
after bombardment by the British during the War of 1812, wrote a
heartfelt poem. Key’s poem was later set to music, and became the
national anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
AMERICANS:
1. Francis Scott Key– the author of the poem that became the “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Francis is very confident lawyer and a friend of Dr. Beanes.
WEARS: vest and hat and carries shoulder bag (with quill pen, letters, and envelope inside).
3 LINES: “I am here to secure Dr. Beanes’ release.”
“Here is a letter from President Madison.”
“Here are letters from British prisoners.”
2. Dr. Beanes– is a well-known colonial doctor whose capture by the British begins the story.
The doctor is friendly, but upset and puzzled about why he’s been kidnapped.
WEARS: white coat
2 LINES: “I have nothing to do with the war.”
“Hey, I have friends back in Baltimore.”
3. Colonel Skinner– Joins Francis Scott Key in attempting to rescue Dr. Beanes.
Logical and clear thinking– a Mr. Spock sort of personality.
WEARS: coat and hat
LINE:
“We treated British prisoners with respect. I believe it’s only fair that you free Dr. Beanes”
BRITISH:
4. Commander– is stiff and formal. Although an adversary, this military leader treats the Americans with respect.
WEARS: coat and hat
LINE: “You were kind to us; We will return the courtesy. (PAUSE)Dr. Beanes is released...(PAUSE) BUT”
PLACES:
5. Patapsco River– is a tributary of the large Chesapeake Bay on the United States east coast
Represented as a sailboat captain “transporting” characters to and from the anchored British ship.
WEARS: shirt and hat, holds sign.
LINE: “At the mouth of the Patapsco River is the city of Baltimore.” (POINTS TO BALTIMORE ON THE MAP)
6. Baltimore– is a large, historic city on our country’s east coast.
Represented as a town person who periodically encourages audience responses
WEARS: shirt and hat, holds sign.
LINE: “Baltimore is an important city on our county’s east coast.
7. Fort McHenry– protects Baltimore from an attack by British ships anchored in the Patapsco River.
Represented as a soldier, who lifts and waves the flag during the sound of heavy fort bombardment.
WEARS: coat and hat, holds sign
LINE: “The soldiers in Fort McHenry will defend Baltimore from the British attack.”