Introduction

Signs of Peace - what are they?

Let's start with a simple definition: A sign of peace is just about anything that notes the presence of a state of tranquility.

So, now that we know the definition, let's ask a few questions: How would you know them when you see 'em? Are there different kinds of peace signs? If so, what are some examples? Where and when might you find various peace signs? Are signs of peace important? If so, why are they important?

In this lesson, we will search for evidence of peace and signs of peace, not only in the musical piece we'll introduce in class but other musical samples along with other places where evidence of peace is definitely present.

Let's get started on a peaceful journey!

One such example is "Peace Song" composed by Timothy Broege. This piece is the third movement of another one of his musical compositions titled, Three Pieces for Clavichord. Through music, Broege creates a kind of magical incantation - a prayer for an end to suffering, violence, and injustice. Broege, like other composers, sought to express wishes for peace and reconciliation or also to reflect on various important social events or issues.

In this lesson, we'll discover firsthand how peace is present in this musical sample along with others. Also, we encourage you to venture into other non-music genres in hope of finding other signs of peace.

Join me for a peaceful stroll as we journey through the World of Peace Signs.

Come on, let's go!

Along with discovering how peace comes alive through signs in Broege's Peace Song, we'll also take a look at other examples.

To begn our journey, let's think about how we will learn about peace signs. Here are some ways to discover signs of peace: (1) By listening, analyzing, and/or describing music; (2) By looking into the relationships between music, other arts, and disciplines outside the arts; or (3) By looking at the relationship of music to history and culture.

By listening, you will discover different signs of peace in music. For this activity, select two musical examples from the following list. All of these musical examples are located in the listening library. The musical pieces, along with the composer's name in parenthesis, are as follows:

Student's Musical Selection List (1st selection):

1. Apotheosis of This Earth (Karel Husa)

2. Heroes, Lost and Fallen (David Cullingham)

3. Lincoln Portrait (Aaron Copland)

4. A Movement for Rosa (Mark Camphouse)

5. New Morning for the World (Joseph Schwantner)

6. Peace Song (Timothy Broege)

Required Musical Selection for All Students (2nd selection):

The Prayer Cycle - Choral Symphony in Nine Movements

Another way to discover how signs of peace come alive in music, is to read the printed music of the piece while listening. Scores for all of this listening examples are also included in the listening library. You will be amazed how much you learn by listening and reading at the same time!

Other Recordings about Peace

• Many other musical recordings focusing on peace

• Peace Museum located in Chicago, Illinois

1. You will be listening to two musical selections. Listen to one of the musical selections from the Student's Musical Selection List.

2. Just listen to your first musical selection.

3. Now, listen to this musical selection again, however, follow the music by reading your instrumental part on the score.

4. Complete the Student's Listening Sheet for this first musical selection.

5. Now, listen to your second musical selection.

6. Just listen to your second musical selection.

7. Now listen to this musical selection again, however, try to image how the music was written.

8. Complete the Student's Listening Sheet for this second musical selection.
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Learning Advice

1. When you listen to each musical selection for this first time, please sure to note your very first impressions on your Student Listening Sheet. Be honest!

2. What are the major similarities and differences between each of these selections?

3. As you listen, try to figure what is creating the music such as kind of instruments used (brass, woodwinds, strings, piano, voice, other?)

4. Perhaps you may not have heard musical selections like these before...good! That shows you are getting to know something new. That IS a good thing!

5. Now, think about all that you have learned through this listening process. What are your thoughts?

6. Think about how elements of music in these two different musical selections relates to how peace is shown through signs.

7. Yes, music can create signs of peace, in a non-visual way.

8. If you could visually show each music selection on paper, how would you do it and what materials would you use? Create a sign of peace reflectly what you heard in one of these musical selections.

9. Lastly, be sure to check out the other websites about peace and the many signs showing peace.

Evaluation Category	Evaluation Criteria
1. Provide two descriptive words noting your first impression of EACH of the two selections.	Student should provide 2 descriptive words for 2 selections (4 words total). Each word is worth 2 points each...max total - 8 points.
2. List at least 2 ways how each of the musical examples are similar.	Student should note 2 similarities between the selections. Each noted similarity is worth 2 points...max total - 4 points.
3. List at least 2 ways how each of the musical selections are different.	Student should note 2 differences between the selections. Each noted difference is worth 2 points...max total - 4 points.
4. For each selection, list as many instruments that you heard. (a) First selection; (b) The Prayer Cycle	1 point for each instrument listed
5. Describe how elements of peace were present in these selections through instruments.	Student provided at least three descriptive qualities (5 points); Student provided two descriptive qualities (3 points); Student provided one descriptive quality (1 point); Student did not provide any descriptive quality (0 points)
6. Non-visually, music can create signs of peace. Create a visual representation of how peace comes alive in one of the two selections, using whatever materials you choose, to be shared with the class.	Completion of project: 5 points Show your newly-created visual representation of your peace sign to the class, in an easy-to-understand manner.

Through this activity, you will discover that signs of peace are not only shown through visual means but also through non-visual mediums such as music.

Likewise, you will discover how signs of peace in one kind of medium can be transformed to another.

In conclusion, you will discover just how many different ways peace can be shown by many different people.