Introduction
During the 1960's-1970's, many popular artists relied on their folk connections when composing. One such artist was Don McLean, who wrote American Pie (1971). American Pie is a look at music and history between 1950-1970 and how many things have changed. There are many important musicians, historical figures and events that are presented in the song, but in a different way-McLean creates an intricate story with a Jester, King, Queen, Quartet, and Satan. Each line of the song represents something historically significant in McLean's life.
Task
8th grade general music students will perform a webquest to find the meaning behind the lyrics to the folk rock song "American Pie" by Don McLean. Students will:
- Identify key characters in the lyrics and who they actually represent in American Music History.
- Identify historical events that are presented through the lyrics and hypothesize why they were chosen
- Identify words they do not recognize and define them.
- Present their findings to the class and hypothesize about public figures/events of today that could substituted in the song to make it more relevant.
Process
- Students will be assigned into 7 groups
- Groups will randomly choose a part of the song American Pie
- First groups will use the template provided to hypothesize what they think the lyrics mean
- Groups will type the following web address: www.understandingamericanpie.com
- Using the navigation on the left side of the page, groups will analyze each line and meaning of the song.
- Each group will present and teach the class about the meaning of their verse.
Evaluation
| Criteria | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Factual |
All the facts presented were accurate and much research has been invested in this project |
Most of the facts presented were accurate and ample research has been invested in this project | Some of the facts presented were accurate and some research has been invested in this project | Very few statements presented were accurate and little research has been invested in this project | None of the facts presented were accurate and no research has been invested in this project |
| Group Work | All group members participated in this project and presented a portion of the final product | Most group members participated in this project and presented a portion of the final product | Some group members participated in this project and presented most of the final product | One group member participated in this project and presented the entire final product | No group members participated in this project or presented the final product |
| Presentation | The entire presentation had consistent flow, analyzed the all lyrics in order and was engaging | Most of the presentation had consistent flow, analyzed most of the lyrics in order and was engaging | Some of the presentation had consistent flow, analyzed some of the lyrics and was somewhat engaging | Very little of the presentation had consistent flow, some of the lyrics were analyzed and was not very engaging | The group did not present |
Conclusion
Although this song was composed during the 1970's and the key figures featured were important at that time, perhaps there's a way to make it relevant. Bruno Mars has expressed an interest in "covering" this song, but making it current to our time. However, he needs the help of the brilliant minds at Berlin Middle School
The class will hypothesize subtle changes to the lyrics to make the song more current. Think about the following:
- Important musical figures
- Important events in our current affairs
- Political, literary and social figures
- Things important to us as a teenage culture
Credits
- Fann, J. (2006, December 10). Understanding American Pie. Retrieved September 2, 2014, from http://understandingamericanpie.com/