The National Anthem Project

According to a Harris Interactive Poll of 2,200 American men and women over the age 18, 60 percent do not know all the words to the National Anthem, and of those who do, 70 percent learned the anthem in school music classes. An ABC poll of teenagers found that 38 percent do not know the official name of the national anthem, 15 percent can sing it from memory, and less than 35 percent can name the author. The National Anthem Project is all about changing those statistics. The project officially began in March 2005 and will culminate in 2007.

At Graham, students are learning the words and music through their music classes. Fifth and sixth graders are learning about the event which inspired the stirring words, and are writing about their experiences through the eyes of Francis Scott Key.

To commemorate the anniversary of the writing of our National Anthem, on September 14, schools around the country will sing the Star Spangled Banner at 9:00 A.M. in their respective time zones. Our entire student body will be a part of this nationwide singing.

In addition to the copy of the words and music we are sending home in the September 6^th Tuesday folder, you may also print a copy from here. You may also download recordings of the Star Spangled Banner.