Story Behind In Flanders Fields Song
LESSON Plan 5:

Time Period: WWI (Plus 1917 – Present)

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Grade Level - K – 12:

• Identify the composer and the motivation behind setting the In Flanders Fields poem to music (K – 12)
• Describe the composer’s thought process in an effort to create a more accessible musical interpretation  of the In Flanders Fields poem (Grade 4 – 12)
• Learn the In Flanders Fields song

TIME: This lesson plan could take between 1 – 2 (45 minute) classes
OBJECTIVES Students will be able to:

• Remember, recite and/or sing the words to the In Flanders Fields poem
• Practice using melody and rhythm
• Examine and understand the composer’s motivation for setting the poem to music
• Identify the musical instruments used in the composition
• Develop an understanding of what constitutes an anthem
• Explain how John McCrae’s Scottish background and military history is reflected in the music

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
Start this lesson by playing the CD recording of the In Flanders Fields song and reviewing the text in Data Sheet #5. This lesson will introduce students to the story of what inspired Canadian composer Anthony Hutchcroft to set the In Flanders Fields poem to music. Students will also explore how the composer approached the arrangement to accurately reflect John McCrae’s military heritage and Scottish background.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hutchcroft completed the In Flanders Fields song, his musical adaptation of John McCrae’s war memorial poem IN FLANDERS FIELDS on November 12th 2006, the day after Remembrance Day. Share the information in Data Sheet #5, “The Story Behind the Music” with your students. What prompted the composer to create a musical adaptation of the In Flanders Fields poem? How does the composer reflect through music, John McCrae’s Scottish heritage and military background?
MATERIALS

1. IN FLANDERS FIELDS music CD, CD player (and/or the sheet music)
2. Data Sheet #1A – IN FLANDERS FIELDS Poem
3. Data Sheet #5  – The Story Behind the Music for IN FLANDERS FIELDS Song
4. Data Sheet #5B – The Sheet Music for IN FLANDERS FIELDS Song
5. Black Line Master I - “Color & Name the Musical Instruments” (K – 3)
6. Black Line Master J - “Match the Musical Styles with Their Instruments” (K – 12)

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Download Lesson Plan #5!

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