An Exciting, Classroom-Tested Teaching Resource

by Teresa Jennings

We are very proud of this much acclaimed teaching resource. Originally written in 1991, this tune was updated in 2004 to reflect our ever-changing history. In 2004, we recorded a longer setting for this version, with more contemporary rhythm tracks and sizzling new horn lines. With the newly added printable lyric page, this rap will take you into 2009 and beyond.

We have updated the lyric page in this product to include President Obama. If you already own this product, you can download a PDF of the new verse for free in the Downloads section of this site.

Your students will love this clever rap that teaches the names of the presidents. They are presented with first and last names, in order, tied together with a catchy refrain. The Teacher's Handbook features the whole rap with full accompaniment including chord symbols, as well as reproducible student parts with full rights to make as many copies as you need for all of your students. It also includes an array of teaching suggestions including ideas for movement, staging, and interdisciplinary study.

There are plans for customizing the rap, as well as special hints on how your students can create new raps that work with the printed arrangement and the recorded tracks. In addition, there are several reproducibles, including optional Orff and rhythm instrument orchestrations, a "We Rapped The Presidents" poster, and spirit-building reward certificates.

This kit is available in electronic format, for download to your computer. These files are quite large and may take a long time to download. Users with a dial-up modem will have difficulty: A high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended. When you expand the compressed file, it will include two MP3s (one full-performance and one accompaniment only version) and a printable PDF of the written music. Questions? Visit the Download Help page (opens in a new window)

The Convenience Combo Kit includes both the Kit with CD and the Downloadable Kit.

Sound clips are available on MusicK8.com