Third Graders Explore Songwriting To Bring About Change
Since September, Third grade music students have been participating in a unit called Music for Change, which addresses two key questions: How can we write a song that addresses injustice, and how can music forge a movement forward?
After examining “This Land Is Your Land” and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” the third graders were introduced to “Put Your Seatbelt On,” a song that strongly advocates a position. The composer of the song, performer/recording artist Groovy Nate (Elnathan Starnes), made two Zoom visits to each Third Grade House to share his expertise and thoughts on songwriting. Each House is writing their own song to bring about a change that they decide on.
Story submitted by First Program music teachers Nancy Silber and Janet Chinelli