Ring out the Bells of Freedom

Ring Out the Bells of Freedom

An American History Musical For Elementary or Middle School Students By Ralph C. Nelson

Originally written for Kelly Elementary School, Portland Oregon Funded in part by a grant from Arts Alive, a program of the Portland Schools Foundation.

10th Revision – For 2013-14 school year Characters: Major Parts: (kids with expression, good reading ability, and personality) Narrators 1-8 (note: can be split into as many as 26 smaller parts – “split version are numbers in “italics”) Anchors 1 and 2 Reporters 1 and 2 60 Minutes host Game show host (“slick”) King George (British accent a plus!) Franklin (the class clown – should be able to do an “old man’s” voice) Jefferson (should also be a very good singer) Lincoln (serious kid, preferably tall) *Martin Luther King *Note: the “I Have A Dream” speech can also be done by 13 kids,

Substantial and/or difficult parts: (requiring expression) Sportscaster John Hancock of Massachusetts Alexander Hamilton of New York John Dickinson of Delaware James Madison of Virginia Susan B. Anthony Rosa Parks Smaller/one line parts: Frances Scott Key George Washington Priscilla Alden Miles Standish Explorer/Tribesman Columbus Ponce De Leon Spanish Soldier Teacher Off-Stage Announcer voice Patrick Henry Richard Lee of Virginia John Adams of Massachusetts Dolly Madison Southerner Northerner Leland Stanford Railroad Worker Bus Driver

Walk-on parts (no lines) 2-4 kids for Color Guard during “Star Spangled Banner” (optional) Telegraph operator (optional) 4 kids (batter, pitcher, catcher, umpire) to play baseball during “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” 2-3 bus passengers (Rosa Parks scene) Policeman to arrest Rosa Parks

Dancers: 8-26 kids for hornbook dance scene (8-20) girls for Hey Mister backup chorus – must sing, so listed below as well)

Vocal Soloists: 2-8 “Compromise” singers 1-3 “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” 1-4 “Hey Mister” (note: optional verse with 2 identical twins can be added) 10-20 pilgrims (small chorus – sings “We Gather Together”) 1-2 optional soloists – “Battle Hymn of the Republic” 1 optional soloist – “We Shall Overcome” 1 optional soloist – “We are Leaving” 2 optional soloists – Father Abraham is Dead

Instrumentalists Bell or chime ringer (required!) Optional violin (fiddle) for “Hornbook” Orff instruments may be used in “We are leaving”, “Early to Bed”, “Father Abraham”, “1-2-3 Branches”,

Props Needed: Small fake alligator on fishing line to pull across stage, if possible. Hornbooks (students to make) Beat up looking kite (burned, if possible) with key attached. Gavel Bells – Lots of them!!! (ideally, one per child) American Flags – Lots of them!!! (ideally, one per child) Spike for Transcontinental Railroad Scene Large Plastic or cardboard “hammer” for Railroad Scene “Bus” backdrop for Rosa Parks Scene Podium for speeches “Anchor Desk” for News-anchors (also used by Nightline host and Game show host) Baseball bat, gloves, catcher’s mask/uniform, umpire mask – for baseball scene

Suggested backdrop: American Flags with Liberty Bell in the center. Large flags, bunting, and patriotic decorations should be used throughout the auditorium. The more decorations the better! SCENE 1 -- Curtain opens during introduction of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”

SONG 1: OPENING CHORUS: MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE (first verse)… Chorus continues to hum one complete verse during narration:

Narrator 1: Let Freedom Ring: This play is about freedom. It is about how Americans live in a land of freedom.

Narrator 2: It is about how Americans won that freedom, and how minorities had to win their freedom as well.

Narrator 1: During our play, we will meet historical people who had a great deal to do with freedom.

Narrator 2: Freedom is something very special. It is why people journeyed to America. We must never take it for granted.

REPRISE: MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE

SEGUE DIRECTLY INTO SONG # 2 “WE ARE LEAVING”

SCENE 2: THE FIRST AMERICANS

Anchor 1: Welcome to *K-(school name), the TV station that brings you the historical news about our nation. This is ___ (actual name of student) ______. (*NOTE: East of the Mississippi use “W” instead of “K”)

Anchor 2: And I’m ______. In this segment of our show, we’ll bring you a little historical news about the early explorers. We’ll start our news broadcast thousands of years ago.

Anchor 1: Through the magic of historical time television, we’re going to take you to the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia where the first native peoples are crossing into the New World.

Anchor 2: Our roving reporter ______is standing by now. Say, ______, it looks cold out there.

Reporter 1: (dressed in winter clothes – not really “happy” to have gotten this assignment) You’ve got that right ______. It’s freezing up here! Well, I’m here at the Bering Strait with a native explorer – sir, can you tell me why you are crossing this thin strip of land?

Explorer: My people are hunters. We are following the herds. In the last years, many thousands of my people have traveled this way. There is a great new land across this natural bridge, and there are warmer places beyond.

Reporter 1: Well, ______, that’s it from the frozen tundra of Alaska. Now back to you.

Anchor 1: Thanks ______. Hey, stay warm buddy. (pause) Now we go to the year 1492, and out in the Atlantic Ocean, ______is standing by with Admiral Christopher Columbus aboard the ship Santa Maria.

Reporter 2: I’m here with Admiral Columbus, and Admiral, you really wanted to sail West to find India and the spice trade – isn’t that right?

Columbus: Yes. ______. That’s a right-a.

Reporter 2: But tell us what you’ve found instead:

Columbus: We figured that if we sailed West, we’d reach India faster than by going around Africa. But we seemed to have bumped into a new land that no one knows about.

Reporter 2: And I understand you’ve claimed this land for Spain – tell me about that.

Columbus: Yes______. Even though I am Italiano, we are sailing under the Spanish flag, so I have claimed these new lands for Spain.

Reporter 2: Thank you Admiral. And now back to you ______.

Anchor 2: Thanks ______. Columbus discovered an entire new continent. And before long, more and more explorers came to America. Now we go to the year 1585, and the explorer Ponce de Leon in Florida. ______is standing by in America’s first city -- St. Augustine.

Reporter 1: I’m here with Senor Ponce de Leon and one of his soldiers. Senor Leon, I understand that you are searching for something?

Ponce: Well, ______, I am looking for what the native peoples call the Fountain of Youth.

Reporter 1: And what is this fountain all about?

Ponce: From what I understand, if you drink the water from this fountain or river, you will stay young forever.

Reporter 1: And what do you think about this, soldier?

Spanish Soldier: Well sir, I think that we have searched all year for this fountain—we’ve seen many rivers, and nasty alligators. If we don’t get away from the alligators soon, none of us will stay young for very long!

(pull fake alligator across the stage here)

Reporter 1: Well, on that note, I think I’d better send it back to….

Reporter, Soldier, Ponce: AAAHHHHHH! (runs off away from alligator)

Anchor 1: Thanks ______-- and watch your step! Those alligators can sure take a bite out of your day!

All: Oohhh Anchor 2: In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed from England to find religious freedom. They landed in Massachusetts, and called their town Ply mouth.

Anchor 1: After a hard winter, during which half the group died, a native tribe helped them plant crops in the spring of 1621.

Anchor 2: It is now November, 1621. Our reporter ______is standing by with two pilgrims -- Miles Standish and Priscilla Alden. There seems to be a feast about to happen, ______, can you tell us about this?

Reporter 2: Yes ______. I’ve been talking to Miles and Priscilla here at Plymouth, who tell me that they are about to have a thanksgiving feast. Is that right Goodwife Alden?

Priscilla Alden: Yea Good sir (or lady), our crops this past year hath grown a hundredfold of fruit and of vegetables.

Reporter 2: And you Master Standish?

Miles Standish: The Lord hath provided for us and hath answered our prayers. We shall feast the next three days betwixt sunrise and sunset.

Reporter 2: And Goodwife Alden, will you invite the Wampanoag (pronounce: wha- pa-NOG) tribe?

Priscilla: Yea, Good Sir (or lady). We will invite our native friends as well to partake in the feast. Chief Massasoit (Mah-sah-SOW-it) hath been hunting turkeys whilst our men do gather the harvest.

Reporter 2: Boy, I bet that will be a feast! I hear that you have a song you’d like to sing, and that this is probably the oldest surviving song in America.

Miles: Yea, Good sir (or lady). It is called our Thanksgiving Hymn. The tune is from Holland, where we lived but a short time before sailing to America aboard the Mayflower. Wouldst thou care to hear it?

Reporter 2: Yes, Good Master Standish: SONG 3 (SMALL CHORUS): WE GATHER TOGETHER SCENE 3: EARLY 1700’s

Narrator 3: Over the next hundred years, more and more people came to America. The French came to Canada. The Dutch settled in New Amsterdam, now New York.

Narrator 4: There were many groups that came to the New World to find religious freedom. The Quakers, led by William Penn started the colony of Pennsylvania; and Catholics settled in Maryland.

Narrator 3: By the mid 1700’s, there were thirteen Colonies, all governed by England.

Narrator 4: People in the colonies believed in public education for their children.

Narrator 3 : Most schools had only one room. Because paper was so expensive, students learned to read from hornbooks.

Narrator 4: These were homemade pieces of wood with the alphabet and a Bible verse written on them. We’ll show you:

Teacher: (holding ruler) Good morning class…

Class: (mumbles) Good morning Miss (Mr) ______.

Teacher: (slaps ruler on his/her hand) Ahem…Let’s try that again. GOOD MORNING CLASS

Class: Good Morning Miss (Mr) ______.

Teacher: Much better. Class, please take out your hornbooks. Now repeat after me: “A”

Class: “A”

Teacher: “B”

Class: “B”

Teacher: “C”

Class “C” SONG 4: MY HORNBOOK HAS ALL THE A B C’S SCENE 4: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND POOR RICHARD’S ALMANAC

Anchor 1: On this portion of our broadcast, we’re going to bring you an interview with Benjamin Franklin. The year is 1750.

Anchor 2: You know, ______, there were many important people in our country during this colonial period. One of the most interesting was Benjamin Franklin.

Anchor 1: Our reporter, ______is standing by with Ben Franklin in Philadelphia. ______, didn’t I understand that Franklin invented a special kind of glasses called bifocals, and also the wood stove?

Reporter 1: That’s right, ______. Ben Franklin grew up in Boston and was trained as a printer. He left Boston and moved to Philadelphia, where he printed many important books. But I have to tell you ______, he’s a bit of a character. (turn to Franklin) Mr. Franklin, recently you criticized the Congress for making the eagle the symbol of these colonies. What you have preferred?

Franklin: The Turkey.

Stagehand brings out fake turkey

Reporter 1: The Turkey…ha, ha -- you can’t be serious, Mr. Franklin.

Franklin: Well, young fellow (or lady)…I am. You see, I believe that a man should make an honest living. As I say, a penny saved is a penny earned. And that blasted eagle doesn’t earn its living – why it just robs the eggs of other birds. The turkey, on the other hand is a simple bird that works hard.

Reporter 1: So you’d stick your neck out, so to speak, for the turkey.

Franklin: Well, I spoke up in Congress, but I’m afraid the idea of the turkey got the ax. (motion like your head is being cut off)

Stagehand takes turkey off

Reporter 1: Talking about Congress, Mr. Franklin, we’ve also heard that at times you fall asleep in meetings.

Franklin: I can’t deny that ______. Sometimes these meetings drag on for ever. So I catch up on a little sleep every now and then. Just like I always say, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Reporter 1: Mr. Franklin, isn’t that one of the sayings in your new popular book, “A Poor Richard’s Almanac?”

Franklin: Yes, ______, it is. And it’s available wherever Franklin books are sold.

Reporter 1: And you’re running some kind of special offer this week, are you not?

Franklin: Sure am…for the first 5 people who buy my book, I’ll throw in, totally free, one of these slightly used kites. (stagehand brings out bad looking kite) Believe me folks, your kids will get a charge out flying one of these.

SONG 5: EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE (3 part round) Song uses: Early to Bed, Early to Rise.. Haste Makes Waste No pains without gains

(After song, pianists/instruments can play the tune “Chester” during the set change) SCENE 5: PROBLEMS WITH ENGLAND; THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

All kids start “ticking” like a clock

Offstage Announcer: This is 60 Minutes for July 4, 1776. Reporting from our studios in Philadelphia is ______.

60 Minutes Anchor: It’s been a day of great events. A day when America has declared itself independent of England. Tonight, we’ll bring you different viewpoints. Joining us in our London studios is ruler of England, King George the Third. And in America is the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. (turns towards Jefferson) Now Mr. Jefferson, we’ve heard that the colonies have declared themselves free of England. Can you tell us what led to this decision?

Jefferson: Well ____, this has been a long time in coming. The problems began in the 1760’s when England tried to tax the colonies. I’m afraid King George didn’t understand the colonists.

60 M: And your majesty, what do you say about that?

King George: (crazy, loud, with a British accent) BALDERDASH, I say. How dare he talk like this? Tell him to be quiet. I AM THE KING!

60 M: Mr. Jefferson?

Jefferson: Do you see what I mean? He’s a tyrant. (pause) The colonists talked of revolution. In Williamsburg, my good friend Patrick Henry said,

Patrick Henry: Give me Liberty or give me death!

Jefferson: Then in Boston, Samuel Adams and his group took to the streets. After the Tea Tax was passed, the colonists dumped the tea into Boston harbor. They called it a “tea party.”

60 M: Your majesty, what did you think of this?

King George: I wanted them punished. And I called for MORE taxes. I closed Boston Harbor until all the tea was paid for! 60 M: Mr. Jefferson, then what happened?

Jefferson: In 1770 there was a terrible massacre in Boston. The colonists were protesting in front of the State House, when suddenly the redcoat troops opened fire. Five brave colonists were killed. And still, King George would not listen.

60 M: Your majesty?

King George: They were protesting weren’t they? We had ever right to shoot them! It’s treason, I say…treason!

60 M: Mr. Jefferson?

Jefferson: Soon the Revolutionary War started. In 1775 a group of our patriots opened fire on the British in the towns of Lexington and Concord. General Washington was appointed by Congress to lead the troops.

60 M: We now want to show you some footage from inside Independence Hall earlier this week in June, 1776. John Hancock of Massachusetts is the Speaker, or Chairman of the Congress.

(setup: a number of chairs can be arranged – but Franklin must be able to fall asleep and roll off his chair. Hancock is either at a podium/lectern or a high table)

Hancock: (bangs gavel) The Speaker recognizes Mr. Richard Lee of Virginia:

Richard. Lee: Mr. Hancock, I call for a declaration of independence to be drafted by a committee. The committee should include Mr. John Adams of Massachusetts, Mr. Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, and Mr. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania.

Hancock: Mr. Adams, will you serve on this committee?

Adams: As a fellow delegate from the state of Massachusetts, I would be happy to serve on this committee, Mr. Hancock.

Hancock: Mr. Jefferson, will you serve on this committee?

Jefferson: Yes, Mr. Hancock. With pleasure. Hancock: Mr. Franklin, will you also serve?

Franklin: (snores and falls off his chair)

Hancock: Mr. Franklin? Mr. Franklin – WAKE UP!

Franklin: (waking up): …Yes…Yes… as I always say, “early to bed, early to rise… makes a man healthy, wealthy and ….”

Hancock: Yes, Mr. Franklin, we know. (pause) Now do you think that you might be able to stay awake long enough to draft a resolution declaring these colonies free states?

Franklin: With great pleasure, Mr. Hancock!

60 M: Mr. Jefferson, we understand that most of the writing is yours. Can you read us a little of it?

Jefferson: Certainly. This is the part I’m most proud of: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. “

60 M: And your Majesty?

King George: Rubbish…this is rubbish. Everyone knows that people aren’t created equal. Some of us are born to be kings. Mr. Jefferson, a farmer from Virginia, does not have the right to tell me, the King of England, that he is equal to me! Treason, I say, TREASON!!

60 M: So then Mr. Jefferson, what else happened?

Jefferson: Well today, July 4th, 1776, the Congress approved the Declaration. We are now officially our own country: The United States of America. Mr. Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. He signed his name very large:

Hancock: There…I want to sign this so that King George will have no trouble reading my name so he’ll know who to hang.

Jefferson: After the last man had signed the Declaration of Independence, the great bell in the tower was rung. Forever after, that bell has been known as the Liberty Bell. It rang out the news that we were free!

SONG 6: RING OUT THE BELLS OF FREEDOM

SCENE 6: THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Narrator 5: But simply writing a document, didn’t mean that we were free of England.

Narrator 6: The new states had to fight and win the war. And it wasn’t easy. But under the great skill of General George Washington, and with help from France, the Americans won the war.

Narrator 5: The British made fun of the young Americans. They made up a song about them.

Narrator 6: The song was called Yankee Doodle. But the Americans kind of liked it. So they sang it themselves:

SONG 7: YANKEE DOODLE SCENE 7: THE CONSTITUTION IS WRITTEN

Narrator 7: In 1781, the United States won the Revolutionary War at the famous battle of Yorktown, Virginia.

Narrator 8: The British surrendered to General Washington.

Narrator 7: Then the American troops sang “Yankee Doodle” to the British redcoats.

Narrator 8: Now the task of organizing a government had to be worked out.

Narrator 7: The Continental Congress drafted a set of rules called the “Articles of Confederation.”

Narrator 8: But after a year or so, it was very clear that these rules didn’t work.

Narrator 7: So a meeting was called in 1787 in Philadelphia to draft a new set of rules, this time called the Constitution.

Narrator 8: At the meeting all the states had to agree how the country would be governed. It was very difficult. But they learned that they had to compromise. It was kind of like a game:

Game show: And now…it’s time to play, “Let’s Make a Compromise!” Chorus applauds like audience at game show – one stagehand can have an “applause” sign.

Now entering our Constitutional studios are our contestants…First, a statesman from the big state of New York, Mr. Alexander Hamilton. (applause) Then, a former farmer from the little state of Delaware, Mr. John Dickinson (applause), and finally a plantation owner from Virginia, Mr. James Madison (applause). Gentleman, you know the rules. You get one point if you can make a deal or a compromise, and you lose a point for every time you can’t make a deal.

Here’s the first question, “How can the little states be sure they also have a voice in government?” Delaware?

Delaware: (pompous) Well, it’s clear to everyone that each state should have the same number of representatives or votes – then the big states can’t beat up on the little states. Game Show: Whoa, I don’t think New York is going to like that. What do you say New York?

New York: Dat’s crazy. Hey Buddy -- what in da woild are you tinking? If we did dat, den we New Yorkers would have to pay all da bills for everyting that you people in your little itty-bitty Delaware would like to have. No way!

Game Show: Hey, Hey, now…that doesn’t sound like a compromise to me. Both sides lose a point. And what do you say Mr. Madison?

Virginia: These gentleman need to learn how to compromise. Compromise is when you give a little to get a little. My solution to the problem would be to have two groups. The House of Representatives would be elected based on the size of the state, but the Senate would have two representatives for each state, no matter how small or big the state was.

Game show: So, let me get this right, Mr. Madison. You say we need two groups, the House and the Senate. Is that right?

Virginia: Yes.

Game Show: Deal or No Deal?

Virginia: Deal!

Game show: That sounds like a compromise to me. Madison, you win the game.

SONG 8: COMPROMISE SCENE 8: THE CONSTITUTION

Narrator 1(9): Madison’s plan was for three branches of government

Narrator 2(10): The three branches are the Legislative (or the Congress), the Executive (or the President), and the Judicial (or Supreme Court.).

Narrator 1(9) The beauty of the system was that no one branch has too much power. This is called a system of checks and balances.

Narrator 2(10): And in the end, the real power is with the people -- who elect the Congress and President.

Narrator 1(9) That’s why the first words of the constitution, start:

ALL: “We the people, of the United States.”

SONG 9: ONE, TWO, THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT SCENE 9: A NEW GOVERNMENT IS CHALLENGED

Narrator 3(11): The constitution was ratified in 1788. George Washington was elected the first president.

Narrator 4(12): Washington was a very wise leader.

Washington : I do not want to be a King. I want to be a President.

Narrator 3(11): He organized the government, and most of his organization still exists today, over 200 years later.

Washington: I will organize the government into departments. The head of each department will be called a secretary.

Narrator 4(12): Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson Secretary of State. And he appointed a brilliant man named Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury. But when it came to the Post Office…

Washington: Hmmm….the old Congress appointed Ben Franklin to be our first Postmaster General. Let’s see, I’m not sure that’s going to work…

Franklin: Special Delivery for President Washington.

Washington: What…a Bill?

(Franklin sleeps on the bag! Washington drags Franklin off-stage while saying:)

Washington: Come on Ben…It’s time for beddy-bye…

Narrator 3(11): Which is why the mail was a little slow in those days!

Narrator 4(12): After serving two, four-year terms as President, Washington stepped down. John Adams was elected. Adams was followed by Thomas Jefferson and then James Madison.

Narrator 3(11): But there was a big problem during Madison’s time.

Dolly Madison: James, the British are attacking. They are going to burn the Capitol and the White House.

Madison: Quick Dolly, grab everything you can in the White House and move out of town!

Narrator 4(12): In the year 1812, the Americans fought another war with England. This time, the British almost won.

Narrator 3(11): The British captured Washington DC, burned the Capitol building. Dolly Madison saved many important items in the White House, including the great portrait of George Washington.

Narrator 4(12): An important battle was fought at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor.

Narrator 3(11): We take you now to Baltimore Harbor where our reporter ______is standing by with Frances Scott Key, who has written a song about the battle.

Reporter 2: That’s right – tell us little about the battle Mr. Key:

Key: Well, all last night, September 13, 1814, the British ships attacked the fort. Each time a bomb burst in the air, you could see that our flag was still standing. Then, the dawn’s early light came – and it was clear that we had won the battle!

Narrator 4(12): Let us all stand and sing Mr. Key’s song, which Congress voted to be our national anthem. Please rise.

SONG 10: STAR SPANGLED BANNER SCENE 10: SLAVERY

Narrator 5(13): Freedom. It’s why people journeyed to America.

Narrator 6(14): Freedom. It’s why we fought two wars with England.

Narrator 5(13): But in the 1800’s freedom didn’t exist for some people in America. Women could not vote, and in the Southern states, there were over 1 million slaves.

Narrator 6(14): The slaves were brought to the United States from Africa aboard horrible ships called slave ships and they were sold into slavery for life. As early as 1619 there were slaves in America in Jamestown, Virginia.

Narrator 5(13): The slaves sang a special kind of music called “spirituals.” They sang about going to “the promise land” or heaven.

Narrator 6(14): Most slaves felt that only in heaven could they really be free. And in heaven they would see their mother or father.

Narrator 5(13): Here is one such spiritual:

SONG 11: SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT (SOLO and CHORUS) SCENE 11: THE CIVIL WAR

Narrator 7(15): By the 1850’s, the issue of slavery divided the country between the North and the South.

Narrator 8(16): In 1860, a tall country lawyer from Springfield, Illinois was elected President. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

Narrator 7(15): He said:

Lincoln: “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.”

Narrator 8(16): But the Southerners didn’t like Lincoln:

Southerner: If Lincoln is elected President…then that’s it…we’re going leave the Union. We’ll make our own country called the Confederate States of America.

Narrator 7(15): In the North, they talked of war:

Northerner: You can’t do that…we’ll send in the army and fight. We must put an end to slavery once and for all!

Narrator 8(16): And there was war. In 1861, shortly after Lincoln was elected President, Southern troops attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

Narrator 7(15): Soon the country was locked into the most terrible war in its history. This was called the Civil War.

Narrator 8(16): Sometimes brothers fought against brothers. Sometimes fathers fought on one side, and sons on the other.

Narrator 7(15): The Confederate Army wore gray uniforms. The northern solders, or the Union Army, wore blue uniforms. The Southern soldiers sang the tune Dixie.

Narrator 8(16): The Northern soldiers sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and it is one of our nation’s greatest songs:

SONG 12: BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC SCENE 12: THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

Anchor 1: We now take you to a little town in the middle of Pennsylvania. The town is called is Gettysburg, and in July of 1863, it was the scene of the most important battle of the Civil War.

Anchor 2: Up to this point, the South, under the leadership of General Robert E. Lee, had won most of the battles.

Anchor 1: But on July 3rd, 1863, Lee’s army attacked the Northern troops and suffered heavy losses. Over 40,000 men were killed at Gettysburg.

Anchor 2: It is now November 19th, 1863, and we’ll check in with our reporter ______.

Reporter 1: I’m here at the site of the great battle, where a group of people have braved the cold November weather to dedicate a national cemetery. Mr. Edward Everett has just spoken, and if I do say so myself, he went on for quite some time. He spoke for two hours straight! President Lincoln is next to speak, and it is rumored that his speech is very brief, maybe only two minutes – let’s hear what he has to say: Lincoln: (do not read numbers) 1. Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

2. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.

3. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.

4. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who gave their lives that that nation might live.

5. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

6. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.

7. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.

8. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

9. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

10. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion;

11. That we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain;

12. That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom;

13. And that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Segue immediately to final chorus of BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC (“Glory, Glory”) SCENE 13: LINCOLN IS SHOT

Narrator 1(17): The Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, when General Lee of the South surrendered to General Grant of the North.

Narrator 2(18): But just as the country was looking forward to the end of war, a tragic event occurred:

Anchor 1: We interrupt this broadcast to bring you the news, that today, April 14th 1865, President Lincoln has been shot and is dead. The President and Mrs. Lincoln were attending a play in Ford’s Theater in Washington DC, when apparently a Southerner by the name of John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln in the head.

Anchor 2: According to White House sources, Mr. Lincoln’s body will be put on a train and transported to his home in Springfield, Illinois, where he will be buried. Let’s go to ______in New York.

Reporter 2: I’m here along the train tracks, where soon a special train baring President Lincoln’s body will pass by. Millions of people have lined these train tracks to pay their final respects to this great president, sometimes called Father Abraham – the man who freed the slaves. I think I hear the train now. ((bells rings softly and gets louder as song starts)

SONG 13: FATHER ABRAHAM IS DEAD – (song ends with bell fading away) SCENE 14: THE TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD

Telegraph operator can use the “Anchor” table – clack away a Few times at the beginning of the scene so that audience understands it is a telegraph

Narrator 3(19): After the Civil War, the push was on to connect the entire country with a railroad.

Narrator 4(20): This was known as the Transcontinental Railroad. Working from Omaha, Nebraska, the men of the Union Pacific Railroad Company laid tracks going West.

Narrator 3(19): And working from California, the Central Pacific Railroad Company employed thousands of Asian laborers to lay tracks going East. Many of these laborers died – and the company did not treat them very well.

Narrator 4(20): On May 10, 1869, a great event happened at Promontory Point, Utah, where the two tracks met. The President of the Central Pacific, Leland Stanford, drove in the last spike – a spike of pure gold!

Narrator 3(19): Except, as you will see, Stanford missed – so a railroad worker drove it in for him.

Stanford: To the duly assembled, I hold the last spike -- a golden spike -- which I will now proceed to pound into the ground. (Stanford hands spike to Railroad worker, then misses it!)

Railroad Worker: You Missed! Here, let me show you how to this… (Railroad worker pounds it in) (telegraph operator loudly clacks out news)

Narrator 4(20): A telegraph operator sent the news immediately that the railroad was done.

Telegraph: PROMONTORY POINT UTAH. STOP MAY 10, 1869 STOP RAILROAD COMPLETE STOP UNITED STATES IS ONE. ALL HIP, HIP, HORRAY!!

SONG 14: SHE’LL BE COMING AROUND THE MOUNTAIN SCENE 15: WOMEN GET THE RIGHT TO VOTE

Anchor 1: Freedom. It’s why people came to America. And one of our basic freedoms is the right to vote.

Anchor 2: But until 1920, women in the United States could not vote. Only men could vote. Well, ______is standing by with Susan B. Anthony, Abigail Scott Duniway, Carrie Chapman Catt, and a number of women who want to change that!

Reporter 1: We’re here in Syracuse, New York. Mrs. Anthony is about to speak:

Susan B. Women!

Women: (shout) Yeh! (shout after each pause in speech)

Susan B: Now listen to me women! We should have the right to vote! What are our husbands afraid of? That we might actually think before we vote?

Women: Yeah!

Susan B. I say to you women, that men should have their rights and nothing more; AND (pause) women their rights (pause) and nothing less. INCLUDEPICTURE "http://womenshistory.about.com/library/graphics/ dot_clea.gif" \* MERGEFORMATINET Women: Yeah!!

Susan B: So women, who are husbands afraid of?

Women: US!

SONG 15: HEY, MISTER, WHAT DO YOU FEAR (WOMEN’S CHORUS) SCENE 16: BASEBALL

Anchor 1: And now, for the sports news of the day, let’s turn to ______.

Baseball music – audience yells “Charge”

Sportscaster: Welcome Sports Fans wherever you may be. Well, it was a long, hot day today out at the old ball park in 1900. This new game of baseball is taking off like a fire in a lumber yard. With one batter and nine players on the field, this has got to be the most popular sport in America. And one batter after another today was knocking home runs over the outfield wall.

Audience applauds, does the “wave”

The game went on so long that the fans needed a little recess. After seven innings everybody got up, took a break, and sang this little number:

SONG 16: TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME SCENE 17: THE CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE

Narrator 5(21): The 1900’s brought a lot of changes to America.

Narrator 6(22): There were two great wars – World War I and World War II.

Narrator 5(21): Inventions brought us everything from the electric light to radio, to automobiles, to airplanes. To television. To space travel… to computers.

Narrator 6(22): America became a land of prosperity, of invention, and of opportunity for everyone. That is, if you were white.

Narrator 5(21): Before the 1960s, most African-Americans were very poor, and were forced to live in separate communities and go to separate schools. This was called segregation.

Narrator 6(22): Take for instance drinking fountains. Before the 1960’s a lot of fountains said, “Whites Only.” That meant that an African- American couldn’t drink from it.

Narrator 5(21): In the South only whites could sit in the front of the bus.

Narrator 6(22): It took a lot of struggle and protesting to change these laws. One person who helped was Rosa Parks. We’ll show you what Rosa did in Montgomery, Alabama:

Bus Driver: Everybody on… (passengers get on bus; Rosa sits up front, other passengers look at her. One passenger taps bus driver on the shoulder and points to Rosa.)

Bus Driver: Hey…you ma'am…you know you can’t sit up front. That’s for whites only.

Rosa: I’ve had it…I have every right to sit up front in this bus or any other bus. The white folks pay a dime to ride this bus. Didn’t I give you a dime as well?

Bus Driver: Yes Ma’am, you paid a dime as well, but you know the rules. Now, move to the back of the bus or I’ll have to call the police.

Rosa: I won’t be moved. It simply isn’t fair. I paid the same amount of money, and I should be able to sit in the same seat. Go ahead…call the police. (Policeman arrests Rosa and takes her off the bus)

Narrator 5(21): Rosa Parks was arrested and sent to jail. Then, all the African- Americans in the town of Montgomery, Alabama agreed not to ride the busses until the laws were changed.

Narrator 6(22): After 381 days, the Supreme Court ruled that the bus companies had to allow African-Americans to sit anywhere on the bus. This was their famous protest song:

SONG 17: WE SHALL OVERCOME SCENE 18: I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH

Narrator 7(23): The greatest leader of the African-Americans during this time was Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. Dr. King was a minister and a great preacher.

Narrator 8(24): He preached that we should all live in peace…but never give up our rights.

Narrator 7(23): In 1963, Dr. King gave one of the greatest speeches in American history.

Narrator 8(24): In front of hundreds of thousands of people at the Lincoln Memorial he said these words: Dr King (or group of kids, each reading a line. Do not read the numbers)

I have a dream.

2. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed – “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”

3. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

4. I have a dream today!

5. This is our hope.

6. This is the faith with which I will return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair -- a stone of hope.

7. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

8. This will be the day, this will be the day, when all of God’s children will be able sing with new meaning: ‘My Country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!’

9. And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

10. Let freedom ring from mighty mountains of New York!

11. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

12. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado!

13. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! (pause)

14. But not only that: (pause)

15. Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! 16. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

17. Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

18. And when this happens, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children…black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro Spiritual,

“Free at Last…Free at Last…Thank God Almighty we are free at last!!!”

SONG 18: FREE AT LAST - close curtain at end of song; reopen when we are ready to sing “America the Beautiful” SCENE 19: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

(during this narration, bells and flags are quietly and discreetly distributed)

Narrator 1(25): America is a great country. It is a beautiful country indeed.

Narrator 2(26): It our country…all of us that came from so many lands on a journey of freedom.

Narrator 1(25): Yes.. America is beautiful…with mountains and seas…

Narrator 2(26): But its greatest beauty is in the freedom that we all enjoy.

(Optional: In schools where a there may be a population of English learners, a student – or group of students - representing each language could come forward and say, in his or her own language):

“America means freedom. Let freedom Ring!”

SONG 19: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Then: RING OUT THE BELLS OF FREEDOM

OPTIONAL Suggested Curtain Call groups: Group 1 (walk-on parts) Group 2 (smaller/one line parts) Group 3 (substantial parts) Group 4 (narrators) Group 5 (sportscaster, nightline, game show) Group 6 (anchors, reporters) Group 7 (Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Dr. King)

THE END (words to songs, suitable for copying for overhead projection)

My Country Tis of Thee

1. My country, ‘tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride. From every mountainside Let freedom ring. #2 We are leaving

(solo) We are leaving for a new home, We are moving far away,

(all) We are leaving for a new home, We are moving far away,

(solo) To find a home where we are free, To start a new life, you and me.

(all) To find a home where we are free, To start a new life, you and me.

(solo) We are leaving for a new home, We are moving far away.

(all) We are leaving for a new home, We are moving far away.

#3 WE GATHER TOGETHER 1. We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; 2. He chastens and hastens His will to make known; 3. The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing, 4. Sing praises to His name; He forgets not His own.

5. We all do extol Thee, Thou leader triumphant, 6. And pray that Thou still our defender wilt be. 7. Let Thy congregation escape tribulation; 8. Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

(repeat #1-4 again if more solos needed) #4 MY HORNBOOK HAS MY A, B, C’S

My hornbook has my a, b, c’s, And a verse for me to read, All the letters now from A to Z, This is all that I will need.

A-B-C-D-E-F-G H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P Q-R-S-T-U and V W-X and Y and Z. #5 EARLY TO BED (round)

Part 1: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Part 2: Haste makes waste, Haste makes waste.

Part 3: No gains without pains, no gains without pains. #6 RING OUT THE BELLS OF FREEDOM

(SOLO) We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal; and are endowed by their Creator, with rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

So ring out the bells of freedom; (ALL) So ring out the bells of freedom;

(call and answer these lines) Ring out the liberty bell Ring bells from every tower, Ring bells from highest hills, Ring bells of independence, Ring out the liberty bell.

ALL: RING OUT -- RING OUT THE BELLS OF FREEDOM RING OUT -- RING OUT THE LIBERTY BELL (REPEAT) #7 YANKEE DOODLE

Yankee Doodle went to town A ridin’ on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap, And called it macaroni.

(Refrain) Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step, And with the girls be handy.

2. Fath’r and I went down to camp Along with Captain Goodin’, And there we saw the men and boys As thick as hasty puddin’. (Refrain)

3. There was Captain Washington Upon a slapping stallion, A-giving orders to his men, I guess there was a million. (Refrain) #8: Compromise

1. (solo 1)Well I have a bag of chips for lunch, (solo 2) And I have bananas by the bunch. (solo 1) Can I have a banana? (solo 2) Just give me some of your chips. (solo 1) Deal!

(refrain) (all) And that’s what is meant by compromise. You have to compromise, compromise, Give a little bit, to get a little bit, You have to compromise, compromise, Give a little bit for a deal that fits.

(solo 3) Well I have some cards that will give you luck, (solo 4) And I have some cards worth lots of bucks. (solo 3) I want that red one on top, (solo 4) So let’s now make a swap. (both) Deal! (refrain)

(solo 5) Well I have a resort that’s by the bay, (solo 6) And I am you’re lawyer you can’t pay. (solo 5) You can stay at my resort… (solo 6) Then, I won’t take you to court! (both) Deal! (refrain)

(solo 7) The big states wanted all the power, (solo 8) And the little states said, “Hey, that sounds sour.” (solo 7) So the big states gave a bit, (solo 8) And the little states said, “that fits.” (both) Deal! #9: One, Two, Three Branches of Government

One, two, three, branches of government, The Con-sti-tu-tion’s what it’s called, One, two, three, branches of government, Sharing of power and working for all.

1. The Congress makes the laws, There’s the House and Senate, you see. They meet in the Capitol building, They’re elected by you and by me. (Refrain)

2. The President is our chief, And runs the country, you see. The President lives in the White House, Is elected by you and by me. (Refrain)

3. The courts make sure laws are fair, All kinds, both short and long, The Supreme Court has nine judges, And they rule about right and ‘bout wrong. (Refrain) #10 THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

Oh say, can you see, By the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed, At the twilight’s last gleaming.

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, Through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, Were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets red glare, The bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night, That our flag was still there.

Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. #11 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Swing low, Sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home. Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home.

(solo 1) I looked over Jordan and what did I see, Comin’ for to carry me home. A band of angels comin’ after me, Comin’ for to carry me home. (refrain)

(solo 2) If you get there before I do, Comin’ for to carry me home. Tell all my friends I’m a comin’ there too, Comin’ for to carry me home. (refrain)

(solo 3) Sometimes I’m up and some-times down, Comin’ for to carry me home. But still my soul feels a heav’nly bound, Comin’ for to carry me home. (refrain) #12 BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC

(refrain) Glory, Glory Hallelujah! Glory, Glory Hallelujah! Glory, Glory Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!

(1st verse) Mine eyes have seen the glory Of the coming of the Lord, He is trampling out the vintage Where the grapes of wrath are stored. He hath loos’d the fateful lightning Of his terrible swift sword. His truth is marching on. (refrain)

(2nd verse-solo) He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat, He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat, Oh be swift, my soul, to answer Him, be jubilant, my feet, our God is marching on! (refrain) #13: Father Abraham is Dead (solos or chorus; clarinet, flute, cello or violin)

(Bells – tolls a “D”) Father Abraham is dead, Father Abraham is dead. (repeat) Ooo---

The train now passes slowly by, The train now passes by (repeat) Ooo— (bells toll at end, softer and softer, as if train is passing by). #14 SHE’LL BE COMING ‘ROUND THE MOUNTAIN

She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes, (Yee-Haw)

She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain, she’ll be coming ‘round the mountain, she’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes.

… driving six white horses…(Whoa, Back)

Oh we’ll all go to meet her when she comes… (Hi, Y’all) (#15 Hey Mister ) words and music Copyright Ralph Nelson 1999

1. Hey mister, what do you hear? Hey mister, what do you fear? Hey is this sound a bad note? Just because the women want the right to vote?

(refrain) Yes, we want our rights, Yes, we’ll keep up our fight, Do we strike a bad note? ‘Think you’d better let us have the right to vote. (Do Whas – then 8 snaps)

2. Hey mister, -- think I’m not smart? Hey mister, -- think I’m all heart? Well mister, I got some news, Just because I want to vote my political views. (refrain)

3. Hey mister – think I don’t care? Hey mister – think I’ve nice hair? Well mister, you’ve missed the boat, ‘Think you’d better let us have the right to vote. (refrain)

4. Hey mister, ‘think that we’re fools? Hey mister, we know the rules. Well mister, ‘tis what we think-- Just because you’ve made the rules – (ALL): THEY REALLY STINK! (refrain)

End (loud!) Think you better let us have the RIGHT TO VOTE! (Pause) YEAH!

Alternative to Hey Mister: Bread and Roses (1912)

As we come marching, marching in the beauty of the day; A million darkened kitchens, a thousand mill-lofts gray. Are touched with all the radiance, that a sudden sun discloses For the people hear us singing, Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses. As we come marching, marching we battle too for men, For they are women’s children and we mother them again Our lives shall not be sweated, from birth until life closes. Hearts starve as well as bodies, Give us Bread, but give us Roses. As we come marching, marching, we bring the greater days. The rising of the women means the rising of the race. No more the drudge and idler, ten that toil where one reposes. But a sharing of life’s glories, Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses!

16: TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd, Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack, I don’t care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don’t win it’s a shame, For it’s One, Two, Three Strikes you’re out At the old Ball game.

(WHISTLE TUNE, THEN repeat with words) #17: WE SHALL OVERCOME (possible solo, 1st verse)

We shall overcome, We shall overcome, We shall overcome someday, And deep in my heart, I do believe, that We shall overcome someday.

(join hands raised high) We’ll walk hand in hand, We’ll walk hand in hand, We’ll walk hand in hand someday, And deep in my heart, I do believe, that We shall overcome someday. #18: FREE AT LAST

Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty I’m free at last.

(verse – full chorus or solo) One of these mornings bright and fair, Thank God almighty I’m free at last. I’m gonna put on my wings and try the air, Thank God Almighty I’m free at last. (repeat “FREE AT LAST” MULTIPLE TIMES) #19: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain. For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!

(Refrain) America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears. (Refrain)

(Segue to) “RING OUT, RING OUT THE BELLS OF FREEDOM. RING OUT, RING OUT THE LIBERTY BELL”

Chorus ends by shouting: “LET … FREEDOM… (ring bells)” (Possible encore) When I was young I studied, US geography. The teacher said "Will you stand up, and list the states for me?" My knees began a knockin'. My words fell out all wrong; then suddenly, I stood up and I sang this little song.

Alabama and Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, and Connecticut and more. Delaware, Florida, Georgia and Hawaii, Idaho. Illinois, Ind’ana, Iowa, still 35 to go.

Kansas and Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine. Maryland, Massachusetts, and good ole Michigan. Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, and Montana, Nebraska's 27, number 28's Nevada.

Next, New Hampshire and New Jersey, and way down, New Mexico. Then New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, O - Hi - O.

Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, now let's see. Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee.

Texas, then there's Utah. Vermont, I'm almost through. Virginia, then there's Washington and West Virginia, too.

Could Wisconsin be the last one or it is 49? No, Wyoming is the last state in the 50 states that rhyme. When I sat down, all outta breath, the teacher said, "That's great. I’m quite impressed, you were the best at listing all the states. But if you want to get an A for that silly little rhyme, stand right up, and sing that song, but do it double time. (Then sing the song double fast) 10th Revision: 2013-2014 school year

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