“These were perfect activities to use during my Veteran’s Day lesson on Sousa and Patriotic music! Thank you!” – Teaching on a String

Need engaging classical music activities or ready-to-go music sub plans, especially for patriotic holidays like Veterans Day? These printable listening sheets offer a creative way for students to learn about the life and stirring compositions of John Philip Sousa, the “March King”! Just print and play – it’s that easy!

Why Teach John Philip Sousa?

John Philip Sousa’s marches are iconic and instantly recognizable. His music is patriotic, energetic, and full of life, making it a perfect way to introduce students to American music history and the march form. This pack makes exploring Sousa’s contributions engaging and accessible for young learners.

What’s Inside the John Philip Sousa Activity Pack?

This resource is packed with everything you need to create a memorable and patriotic learning experience:

• Five Star Rating Guide: A simple and effective way for students to evaluate the music.
• Composer Fact Sheet: Introduce Sousa with key biographical information and a spotlight on one of his most famous works.
• Word Composer Activity: A classic word puzzle to reinforce vocabulary and spelling.
• Birthplace Fact Sheet: Combine music with geography! Students research Sousa’s birthplace and learn about its culture and traditions.
• Birthday Coloring Page: Celebrate Sousa’s birthday with a fun coloring activity.
• Composer Study Page: A template for students to compile a short biography of Sousa.
• Composer Vocabulary: Expand musical vocabulary with key terms related to Sousa and his music.
• Multiple Writing/Drawing Pages: Provide space for creative expression inspired by Sousa’s music.
• Varied Listening Activity Sheets: Cater to different learning styles with a variety of listening sheet options. Students can draw scenes inspired by the music, identify the mood, and recognize instruments.
• Weather, Emotions, and Emoji Color & Listen Sheets: Unique and engaging ways for students to connect with the emotional landscape of Sousa’s music.

Printable Listening Sheets (Four Pages Per Piece!):

This pack includes listening activities for ten of Sousa’s most famous marches and other works:

• Semper Fidelis
• The Stars and Stripes Forever
• The Washington Post
• The Liberty Bell
• La Reine de la Mer Waltz
• The Pride of the Wolverines
• Belle of Chicago
• The Invincible Eagle March
• The Thunderer
• Hands Across the Sea

Perfect for:

• Music Sub Plans
• Classroom Music Activities
• Homeschool Music Curriculum
• Veterans Day Activities
• Engaging Students with Patriotic Music
• Exploring Composer Biographies

Is the Music Included?

All of our activities are printable downloads and do not include any music samples, but we only feature selections that are readily available on YouTube and your favorite streaming services! No musical training is required making these great for everyday fun, sub plans, and even send-home packets!