Veterans Day Classroom Activities

Top 10 Ideas for Music Classroom

1. Soundtrack to a Veteran’s Story

Have students create a "soundtrack" to a veteran’s story. Choose a historical or local veteran story, and assign students to create short musical pieces or soundscapes that capture different parts of the story using classroom instruments. This could involve drums for intense moments, soft melodies for reflective scenes, etc.

2. Compose a Veterans Day Sound Collage

Use a digital audio workstation (DAW) or simple recording app to create a Veterans Day sound collage. Include snippets of patriotic music, recorded sounds (marching footsteps, flag waving), and spoken words or quotes from famous speeches. Let students contribute individual recordings to make a collective piece.

3. Create and Decorate Veterans Day "Music Memory Boxes"

Ask students to create small decorated boxes filled with lyrics, small instruments, or sound-makers that reflect patriotic themes. Each box can tell a story musically when opened, combining visuals and sounds that connect to Veterans Day.

4. Interactive Drumming Circle with Military Cadences

Introduce military cadences and explore how rhythm can be used to keep groups in sync. Have students create their own simple cadences or military chants, then perform them together in a drumming circle. This can be an energizing way to connect with the tradition of marching music.

5. Veterans Day Music History Lesson

Dive into the history of patriotic music in the U.S. Discuss the origins and significance of key songs used during military ceremonies or patriotic holidays. Listen to recordings and have students analyze the lyrics.

6. Patriotic Song Remix Challenge

Challenge students to remix a classic patriotic song, like  "America the Beautiful," using digital music tools. They can change the tempo, rhythm, or even blend it with other genres. Host a listening party to share the unique versions.

7. Musical Letter to a Veteran

Invite students to compose a short instrumental piece or song that represents a "letter" to a veteran, expressing their gratitude musically. They can use xylophones, ukuleles, or percussion instruments to create the melody, and then perform it for the class.

8. Veterans Day Virtual Music Tour

Use video or virtual resources to take students on a "tour" of the music used in various branches of the military. Explore the U.S. Army Band, Navy Band, Air Force Band, etc. Learn how each branch has unique songs and traditions, and try to replicate some of their music in class.

9. Create a Veterans Day Musical Scavenger Hunt

Set up a musical scavenger hunt where students have to solve clues related to patriotic music. At each station, they could find a piece of sheet music, a recording, or an instrument associated with a specific aspect of Veterans Day. Each correct answer leads to a musical challenge or short performance.

10. Veterans Day Storytelling with Instruments

Combine storytelling and music by having students create a musical narration of a Veterans Day story. They can choose a historical moment or invent a fictional veteran’s journey, using instruments to create sound effects and set the mood as they narrate. For example, they could use a rain stick for a somber moment or a snare drum for a triumphant march.