El Sierra, Indian Trail and Kingsley intermediate students are celebrating veterans through special Veterans Day music programs this week. Students invited parents and local veterans to attend the performances.
Their music teacher, Jane Bouhuys, not only taught her students patriotic songs, but she also led discussions on the historical origins of the songs, which include the Star Spangled Banner, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Step in Time.
“For Step in Time, we will sing the song or hymn of each branch of the military,” Bouhuys explained. “This has been quite an experience to learn each of those songs. The students were eager to tell me who in their family – parent, grandparent, etc. – was in each military branch.”
This is the first time Bouhuys has planned and performed a music program dedicated to Veterans Day.
“I've always liked patriotic music, and I have veterans in my family,” she said. “I thought it would be nice for the students to perform some traditional patriotic songs, and honor our veterans at the same time.”
During her music classes, Bouhuys discussed why it’s important to honor veterans and learn about patriotic music. She’s gotten good feedback from her students.
For example, one El Sierra student said, “I feel like Step in Time has so much meaning to it, and it’s fun but at the same time it’s making a statement.”
Another El Sierra student added, “I like The Star Spangled Banner because it shows I am American. It also shows that I am proud to live in America and shows how much respect I have for this country.”
El Sierra’s music program featured fourth, fifth and sixth graders and took place Tuesday. Indian Trail fourth, fifth and sixth graders performed on Wednesday. Family and friends may still attend Kingsley’s show, which will feature fourth and sixth graders and take place on Friday at 2 p.m. in Kingsley’s multi-purpose room.