Songmaker
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Freedom Songs
African Banjo-Dakar, Senegal
Typically, the enslaved Africans slaves ran away in groups. Sometimes they let others know that they were going to run away by singing a song which had code words. Code words are words that mean something other than what they say.
The enslaved Africans also sang religious songs and field hollered/work songs. They even sang and danced in their free time. They sang a Capella (without music) accompanied by hand clapping and foot stomping or used call and response where a lead singer would sing a line and then a chorus would answer. Banjos (similar to one in the image on the left) as well as other stringed instruments were also used to make music while singing.
Listen to the song Follow the Drinking Gourd [above]. The drinking gourd means the North Star in the song. NOTE: It's not the entire song.
Click your expert team role (below) and begin working. Click Duties to see the responsibilities of the expert team members.
The enslaved Africans also sang religious songs and field hollered/work songs. They even sang and danced in their free time. They sang a Capella (without music) accompanied by hand clapping and foot stomping or used call and response where a lead singer would sing a line and then a chorus would answer. Banjos (similar to one in the image on the left) as well as other stringed instruments were also used to make music while singing.
Listen to the song Follow the Drinking Gourd [above]. The drinking gourd means the North Star in the song. NOTE: It's not the entire song.
Click your expert team role (below) and begin working. Click Duties to see the responsibilities of the expert team members.
Big Dipper
Learn the code language of the slaves and then create a [short] song/rap that you can sing to let the other slaves know about your plans to run away. In your song/rap use at least 5 different code words that the slaves would have used.
After practicing your song record it using Vocaroo and then email it to your teacher. |
Banjo Player
Learn the code language of the slaves and then create a [short] song/rap that you can sing to let the other slaves know about your plans to run away. In your song/rap use at least 5 different code words that the slaves would have used.
After practicing your song record it using Vocaroo and then email it to your teacher. |
Cotton Picker
Learn the code language of the slaves and then create a [short] song/rap that you can sing to let the other slaves know about your plans to run away. In your song/rap use at least 5 different code words that the slaves would have used.
After practicing your song record it using Vocaroo and then email it to your teacher. |
Resources:
Freedom Songs
Code Words in the Underground Railroad
"Follow the Drinking Gourd" - What the Lyrics Mean
Classics for Kids: The Music of Freedom
Georgetown College - Anti-Slavery Songs
PBS: The Slave Experience - Music in Slave Life
Pathways to Freedom: Maryland and the Underground Railroad - Secrets: Signs & Symbols
Sweet Chariot: The Story of the Spirituals
Resource for recording your song/rap:
Vocaroo
"Follow the Drinking Gourd" - What the Lyrics Mean
Classics for Kids: The Music of Freedom
Georgetown College - Anti-Slavery Songs
PBS: The Slave Experience - Music in Slave Life
Pathways to Freedom: Maryland and the Underground Railroad - Secrets: Signs & Symbols
Sweet Chariot: The Story of the Spirituals
Resource for recording your song/rap:
Vocaroo