February 6, 2025Freedom Songs
10 AM & 12 PM
From the work songs of the fields of people who were enduring the bonds of slavery, to Ragtime, Jazz, R&B, and the inspired spirituals of the Civil Rights movement, this play follows the compelling story of the role that music played in the history of Black Americans. Meet incredible Americans like Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Little Richard and more in a tale that is sure to intrigue audiences of all ages!
Running Time: App. 45 minutes
Appropriate for: All Ages
Price: Title 1 Schools: $10/student, with 1 free chaperone ticket for every 10 students;
All others $12/student, with 1 free chaperone ticket for every 10 students.
STUDY GUIDE
CURRICULUM STANDARDS
Freedom-Songs-PDF-Standards-2014
In addition to the pdf above with core curriculum standards, the following VPA standards have been identified as potentially relevant to this performance:
Responding (Anchor Standard 7 & 8)
Grades K-5
- TH.1.K-5: Students identify and describe the music, movements, and themes presented in the performance.
- TH.1.K-5: Young students discuss how the music in the performance makes them feel and what messages they think the songs are trying to convey.
Grades 6-8
- TH.1.6-8: Students analyze the use of music and lyrics to portray the history of Black Americans, discussing how these elements enhance the storytelling.
- TH.1.6-8: Middle school students interpret the deeper meanings behind the musical selections and their relevance to the historical contexts presented.
Grades 9-12
- TH.1.I-III: High school students critically evaluate the performance, focusing on the effectiveness of the music and dramatic presentation in communicating the historical journey of Black Americans.
- TH.1.I-III: Students analyze the director’s choices in song selection and presentation, discussing how these choices influence the audience’s understanding of the themes such as resilience and resistance.
Connecting (Anchor Standard 10 & 11)
Grades K-5
- TH.1.K-5: Students relate themes from the performance to their own experiences or stories they have learned about in class.
- TH.1.K-5: Younger students discuss how the music reflects the culture and history of the people it represents, perhaps connecting it to their community or family histories.
Grades 6-8
- TH.1.6-8: Students connect the issues presented through the songs to current events or societal issues, discussing the role of music in cultural expression and activism.
- TH.1.6-8: Students explore the historical context of the music genres presented, discussing the impact of these musical forms on American culture and their roots in African American history.
Grades 9-12
- TH.1.I-III: High school students analyze how the music from the performance has influenced contemporary music and societal changes, discussing its enduring legacy and relevance.
- TH.1.I-III: Students engage in in-depth discussions about the role of music in societal movements, drawing parallels between historical events and current issues related to race, identity, and resistance.