Virtual Gramophone: In Flanders Fields

Music is incredibly powerful. An old tune heard on the radio can conjure up long-forgotten memories with crystal-like clarity, and infuse you with the same anger, jealousy or glee that you felt when it was playing the first time around. A bouncy riff can make you tap your toes, while a sad song can bring you to tears. Music is used to provoke emotional responses in films, stir up nationalism and start a social revolution.

It is also an excellent way to engage students, especially in a historical context. Whether it is discovering the development of a certain genre or examining particular lyrics, music provides an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the past.

This is why Library and Archives’ Virtual Gramophone is such a treasure for teachers and the public at large. Not only do they have more than 15,000 recordings (78 rpm and cylinder!) in their database, but it includes accompanying biographies and images.

For example, listen to this recording of In Flanders Fields sung by Joseph A. Phillips and start by getting your class to answer these questions:

• • Are the lyrics the same as the original poem by John McCrae?
• • When do you think it was recorded?
• • What style of music is this?
• • When was this style of music popular?
• • Do you feel different after hearing this recording than after hearing the original read aloud? If so, what is different?

If you are looking for a meatier class activity, consult Patriotic Arts: Influencing Canadians at War provided by 2004 Governor General’s Award recipient Gina McMurchy-Barber.

Her cross-curricular lesson plan can be adapted for grades 3 and up. Although her plan focuses on music’s use in war propaganda, it can easily be shaped for other chapters in Canada's history such as western settlement and immigration, labour and social politics, etc. Even more educational resources can be found on The Virtual Gramophone website.