NEH DVORAK IN AMERICA PROJECT
SALLY SHOLLENBERGER
I. INTRODUCTION
This Project will explore Exploitation and Yellow Journalism in the Gilded Age. As we journey
through this era in time students will be introduced to Antonin Dvorak and his American music.
Yellow Journalism will be introduced along with Joseph Pulitzer and William Hearst, with
examples of journalists’ influence on Dvorak, his music and America. Finally, we will draw the
connection between child labor and Yellow Journalism to the Newsboy Strike of 1899. In our
current curriculum we introduce musicals to our sixth grade General Music students by showing
Newsies. Until now we have not explored the period of the Gilded Age and the gemstones of
knowledge which can be gleaned from this era.
II. Objectives
The students will………….










Gain a knowledge of the Gilded Age
Be introduced to Antonin Dvorak.
Listen to and analyze the New World Symphony
Learn about Yellow Journalism and how it affected music.
Learn about Newspaper Publisher’s Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph
Hearst.
Learn about the exploitation and child labor during the Gilded Age.
Gain a working knowledge of the Newsboy Strike of 1899.
Learn terminology related to musical theater
Learn the story plot to Newsies
Watch Newsies
III. Standards/Pennsylvania State Fine Arts
9.1. A Apply elements/principles–duration, intensity, pitch, timbre, composition, form, genre,
harmony, rhythm, texture
9.1. B Sing, play, read and notates music, compose, arrange and improvise
9.1. C Integrate and apply advanced vocabulary to the art forms
9.1. D Demonstrate specific styles through a production/performance of a unique work
9.1. E Delineate a unifying theme through the work
9.1. G Analyze the effects of rehearsal and practice sessions
9.1. H Incorporate safe and effective use of materials, equipment and tools
9. 2. A Explain historical, cultural and social context of individual work
9. 2. B Relate works in music chronologically to historic events
9.2. C Relate works in music to varying styles and genre to the periods in which they were
created
9.2. D Analyze music from its historical and cultural perspectives
9.2. E Analyze how historical events and culture impact form, technique and purpose of
works
9.2. G Relate works to geographic regions
9.2. I Identify, explain, and analyze philosophical beliefs as they relate to music
9.3. A Explain/apply the critical examination processes of music: compare/contrast, analyze,
interpret, evaluate and judge
9.3. C Apply systems of classification for interpreting music and forming a critical response
9.3. D Analyze/interpret works in music from different societies using culturally specific
vocabulary
9.3. E Examine/evaluate types of critical analysis of music: contextual, formal, and intuitive
criticism
9.4. B Describe/analyze the effects that music has on groups, individuals, and culture
9.4. C Compare/contrast audiences’ environments as they influence individual aesthetic
response
9.6. A Listen to, analyze, and describe music.
9.7. A. Evaluate music and music performances.
9.8. A Understanding the relationships between music, the other arts and disciplines outside
the arts.
IV. Project Duration
Depending on the frequency with which you see your students this project will take
fifteen (45-minute) class days.
V. Resources
Beckerman, Michael, (2003) New Worlds of Dvorak: Searching in America for the
Composers Inner Life
“The Bowery Boys, New York City History”, [Web], Retrieved from
http://theboweryboys.blogspot.com/2010/06/newsies-vs-world-newsboys-strikeof.html
Campbell, Joseph (2001) Yellow Journalism, Puncturing the Myths, Defining the
Legacies
Child Labor Reform Exhibits, [Web], Retrieved from
http://www.dol.gov/oasam/library/special/child/childlabor.htm
Horowitz, Joseph, (2003) Dvorak in America
Winter, Robert & Bogdanoff, Peter (2008) Arts/Interactive Program
From the New World, A Celebrated Composer’s American Odyssey
“Newsboys Strike of 1899”, [Web], Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsboys_Strike_of_1899
“Newsies”,(1992). [Web].Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsies
Video: Newsies-Produced by Michael Finnell/Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
1992
VI. Procedure









Define the period from 1865-1900, the Gilded Age.
Discuss the artwork of Frederic Church and the Art of the Sublime.
Define the characteristics specific to artwork which reflect on human mortality,
our smallness vs. the greatness of nature and the world.
Discuss the characteristics of the Gilded Age.
Discuss the importance of Dvorak in American Music. Introduce the students to
his purpose in coming to America. He was charged with creating a national music in
America and to bring visibility to the National Conservatory.
Listen to the New World Symphony and discuss Sonata Form. Create a pictorial story
map of
the New World Symphony-Mvt.4. Refer to the Winter, Robert DVD: New World, A
Celebrated
Composer’s American Odyssey
Define Yellow Journalism. What roles did Pulitzer and Hearst play in this media form?
How would
American journalism has differed substantially from European journalism? Why would
Dvorak not
have been prepared for it? Using the internet students will find an example of 2010
Yellow Journalism.
Discuss child labor and the exploitation of children in the labor force.
Investigate the Newsboy Strike of 1899. What was the catalyst for the strike?
Why was it so important for Hearst and Pulitzer to break the strike?

Review terms involved in the production of a musical
o Musical
o Opera
o Ballet
o Play
o Script
o Lyrics
o Choreography/Choreographer
o Director
o Producer
o Cast
 Read synopsis of Newsies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsies). Draw analysis to actual
Fact’s about the strike and the manner in which it is depicted in the video.
 Begin watching Newsies. Make comparison/contrast to facts vs. fiction in the musical.
Students will create a story map and add to it daily as we watch Newsies.
VII. Assessment
 Pictorial Story Map – 25 Points (See appendix)
 Musical Story Map – 25 Points (See appendix)
 Yellow Journalism Example – 25 Points
 Newsies Test – 50 Points
VIII. Appendix
Sonata Form.pdf
Newsies Plot.pdf
storymap1_eng.pdf
Newsies Test.pdf