Four Score and Seven Years Ago

What do you think of this song and video? Is it an effective teaching tool for a certain age range or does it simply promote an overly simplistic narrative of American history that borders on propaganda?

The song “Four Score and Seven Years Ago” sings the opening of the Gettysburg Address and tells of Lincoln, the Civil War and equality in an uplifting American anthem that can be sung by all ages. Designed to be a teaching and performing tool for teachers and choral directors. Documentary versions, one with an instrumental track to be used for performance to video will be released…

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6 comments… add one
  • Pat Young May 31, 2013 @ 12:04

    Godwin’s Law? It definitely does not remind me of Hitler.

  • Rob Baker May 30, 2013 @ 16:32

    I think it’s an over simplification that borders on propaganda. It sort of reminds of those creepy Hitler Youth videos with kids singing about Hitler. Although I seriously doubt that was the intent here.

  • Amy May 30, 2013 @ 15:54

    I don’t know if I would use it for my 8th graders, but I would’ve definitely used it when I taught 5th grade. I was the only 5th grade teacher in my school (and possibly the district) who made it to the Civil War in the curriculum that year. I was mocked for teaching so much history. I was told it was “optional” to teach history. THIS year my administrators joked that they could find anyone on the street to come in and teach history! …Alright, I’m done ranting. Long story short: I don’t see any problem with using this video for instruction. I have more and more kids show up in my middle school classroom who have no idea even who won the Civil War. Some of my students have never even HEARD of the Civil War. Simple narrative is better than none!

  • Patricia Kitto May 30, 2013 @ 14:45

    I liked it. Anytime young people are singing about government being OF the people is fine by me. So, it’s not an in depth analysis of the history of the Civil War. It appeals to an ideal and if we’re working towards that more perfect union, even if it’s by means of a catchy tune by some young people, I’m not too snobby to think it’s a good thing. 🙂

    • Brad May 31, 2013 @ 7:01

      My sentiments exactly. I thought it was pretty cool. I’m not a rap fan but I know that’s what people listen to and anything that gets them engaged with history is fine by me. I’m not a teacher so I can’t say if it would work but might with a younger crowd. It was inspirational and well done.

  • William Kerrigan May 30, 2013 @ 13:55

    Ick.

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