(Dolly) Parton Our Dust-We’re Working 9 to Thrive!

Students will be introduced to Dolly Parton, one of the most influential figures in American popular music. Building on a continuing series of annual musical pioneer studies, students will explore her contributions to country music, songwriting, business leadership, philanthropy and literacy advocacy. Students will appreciate how her modest beginnings combined with determination, wit and self-reliance helped her to build a legacy that transcends the music she created. They will understand why she is known for navigating the male-dominated country music industry to launch her own label. Students will also learn two of Dolly Parton’s songs using instruments she included on her recordings of “9 to 5” and “I Believe in You.” Additionally, Dolly Parton is known for using the banjo in many of her songs, so the students at Vineyards Elementary will learn to play the banjo and add this iconic Appalachian instrument to the featured pieces. The culminating session will have the students perform their choice of the two pieces in a “Battle of the Bands” competition. As in the previous two years, this project not only deepens the students’ musical knowledge but also reinforces key concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm, pitch, improvisation, and small ensemble performance. The improvisational segments are intended to encourage creativity, reduce the fear of mistakes, and boost self-esteem and confidence. Aside from the musical benefits, the project will also enrich students’ literacy skills. Aligned with Vineyards Elementary’s school improvement goals (as measured by the FAST Assessment PM3), dedicated time will be allocated for independent and modeled reading centered on the books "Who Is Dolly Parton?" and "Dolly Parton Biography for Kids." This focus on improving literacy also aligns with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how her commitment to literacy has helped provide millions of books to children around the world. An added benefit to this project is demonstrating connections in a musical “family tree” that links influential artists across generations. Students will discover how many musicians can be traced back to our 2024-2025 featured artist, Buddy Holly. This connection is very strong between Dolly Parton and Buddy Holly. She serves as a musical ambassador for the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation and has publicly praised his songwriting.

To summarize the project activities, each student will learn to play both "9 to 5" and “I Believe in You” on five different instruments: the drum set, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar and banjo. The lessons will include not only the repertoire but include activities that teach the psychomotor skills and background knowledge needed to play the respective instruments. Examples: how to hold drum sticks in a match position, identifying the physical layout of the drum set, proper technique for the strumming hand on the bass guitar, how to place the fretting hand on the lead/rhythm guitar to play a bar chord, and finger picking technique on the banjo. Additionally, the books, "Dolly Parton Biography for Kids" and "Who Is Dolly Parton?", will be used to encourage literacy skills through modeled reading, independent reading and/or round-robin style reading as a class. A breakdown of the lessons is listed below. Lesson 1 – Overview of Country Music in America • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 1- Who Is Dolly Parton. Lesson 2 – Musical Vocabulary & Concepts • Introduce and define key terms such as melody, verse, chorus, harmony, chord, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, improvisation, etc. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 2-The Parton Family. Lesson 3 – Drum Accompaniment and Discussion • Learning the components and playing techniques of the drum set. Adding simple rhythm patterns to the songs. •Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 3-Country Roots. Lesson 4– Chord Construction of Primary Chords: I, IV, V • The respective chords in “9 to 5” are F#, B, C# (and G# the V/V chord in the Key of F#) and in “I Believe in You” has Eb, Ab, Bb. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 4-Radio Days. Lesson 5 – Learning the Chord Progressions • The chord progression for “9 to 5” is verse: I, IV, I, V, I, IV, I-V, I and chorus: IV, IV, I, I, IV, IV, V/V, V. The chord progression for “I Believe in You” is verse and chorus: I, IV, I, V, I, IV, I, V-I. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 5-Nashville. Lesson 6– Exploring the Major Pentatonic Scale • Introduction to the pentatonic scale as used in improvisation. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 6-A Star Is Born. Lesson 7 – Improvisation Practice • Improvising over the “9 to 5” progression using the F# major pentatonic scale (F#, G#, A#, C#, D#). Lesson 8 – Improvisation Practice • Improvising over the “I Believe in You” progression using the Eb major pentatonic scale (Eb, F, G, Bb, C). Lesson 9 – Bass Guitar Technique • Learning the bass guitar arrangement for both songs. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 7-Bigger Dreams. Lesson 10 – Banjo History, Technique & Practice • Learning primary chords and improvisation on the banjo. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 8-Hollywood Dolly. Lesson 11 – Rhythm Guitar Fundamentals • Learning the primary chords on the rhythm guitar. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 9-Dollywood Dolly. Lesson 12 – Lead Guitar Improvisation • Learning primary chords and improvisation on the guitar. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 10-Living Legend. Lesson 13 – Student Performances • Culminating performances of both “9 to 5” and “I Believe in You” for the battle of the bands style performance. Students will be organized into groups of five with each student from the group assigned to one of the five instruments. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 11-Still Dreaming. Listed below are the Florida State Standards for 5th Grade Music that will be addressed through the completion of the lessons: CRITICAL THINKING and REFLECTION • MU.5.C.1.1 – Discuss and apply listening strategies to support appreciation of musical works. • MU.5.C.1.2 – Hypothesize and discuss, using correct music vocabulary, the composer’s intent for a given musical work. • MU.5.C.1.3 – Identify, aurally, selected instruments of the band and orchestra. • MU.5.C.2.1 – Define criteria, using correct music vocabulary, to critique one’s own and others’ performances. • MU.5.C.2.2 – Describe changes, using correct music vocabulary, in one’s own and/or others’ performance over time. • MU.5.C.3.1 – Develop criteria to evaluate an exemplary musical work from a specific period or genre. SKILLS, TECHNIQUES, and PROCESSES • MU.5.S.1.1 – Improvise rhythmic and melodic phrases to create simple variations on familiar melodies. • MU.5.S.1.4 – Sing or play simple melodic patterns by ear with support from the teacher. • MU.5.S.2.1 – Use expressive elements and knowledge of musical structure to aid in sequencing, memorization, and to internalize details of rehearsals and performance. • MU.5.S.2.2 – Apply performance techniques to familiar music. • MU.5.S.3.1 – Sing part songs in an appropriate range, using proper vocal technique and maintaining pitch. • MU.5.S.3.2 – Play melodies and accompaniments using proper instrumental techniques on pitched and unpitched instruments. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE • MU.5.O.1.1 – Analyze, using correct music vocabulary, the use of musical elements across various styles as a foundation for understanding the creative process. HISTORICAL and GLOBAL CONNECTIONS • MU.5.H.2.1 – Examine the contributions of musicians and composers from a specific historical period. • MU.5.H.2.2 – Describe how technology has changed the way audiences experience music. INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY, and THE FUTURE • MU.5.F.1.1 – Create a performance using visual, kinesthetic, digital, and/or acoustic means to manipulate musical elements. • MU.5.F.2.1 – Describe jobs associated with various types of concert venues and performing arts centers. • MU.5.F.2.2 – Explain why live performances are vital to an artist’s career and the success of performance venues.

This project offers students a rich learning experience that deepens their musical knowledge while reinforcing essential concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm, pitch, improvisation, and small ensemble performance. By engaging in improvisational segments, students are encouraged to explore their creativity in a supportive environment that reduces the fear of making mistakes and fosters self-esteem and confidence. These opportunities for creative risk-taking help students become more expressive and resilient performers. Beyond musical growth, the project also supports the development of literacy skills, as students engage with musical terminology, follow written instructions, and reflect on their learning through written activities. Working in small ensembles promotes collaboration, active listening, and accountability, helping students build interpersonal skills and a sense of community within the classroom. At least 90% of participating students will successfully perform their assigned part on one of the five instruments during the audition/elimination rounds of the “Battle of the Bands” portion of the project, demonstrating a level of proficiency on their instrument. This will narrow the field of finalist bands to one band per each 5th grade homeroom class. Based on previous years’ data, the only students who do not participate are those absent from school on the audition days. Assessment will be primarily based on visual observations of student performances, allowing the teacher to evaluate musical technique, engagement, and progress over time. Teacher-created worksheets will reinforce key concepts and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding in written form. Active participation will also be a critical component of assessment, ensuring that students are consistently involved, contributing to group work, and taking initiative in their musical development.

Every item in this budget is non-consumable and has been selected for its long-term reusability as part of the project. The equipment and resources will not only enable students to explore the history of country music in America, but will also provide practical experience with instruments and accessories that mirror the success and determination of Dolly Parton. A more detailed explanation is as follows: This year’s culminating music project at Vineyards Elementary will be our 2nd annual “Battle of the Bands” with performances featuring two of Dolly Parton’s songs--the workplace anthem “9 to 5” and the children’s song “I Believe in You” which is based on the book, The Little Engine That Could. The following items will not only add to the culminating event but also improve the quality of instruction for the students. The two banjos will give students a hands on connection to one of America’s most important and uniquely homegrown instruments. The banjo’s roots stretch from West African traditions to Appalachian folk music, making it a powerful tool for teaching cultural history, migration, and musical innovation. By allowing students to explore the banjo directly, they can better understand how the instrument shaped early American sound and later became a defining feature of country and bluegrass music. This purchase also supports our study of Dolly Parton, whose artistry and storytelling frequently highlight the banjo’s bright, driving energy. To supplement the banjo instruction, some essential accessories are needed to fully utilize these instruments. Slides and fingerpicks will allow students to explore traditional playing techniques found in Appalachian, bluegrass, and country music, helping them understand how sound, texture, and style evolved across regions and generations. The 5th string capos (as well as the regular capos for the guitars) will provide the ability to quickly change keys between pieces. And the acoustic instrument amplifiers will ensure that students can perform the banjos confidently in group settings without their sound becoming obscured by the other electrically amplified instruments in the ensemble. The acoustic bass guitars will improve instruction and increase student success when learning the bass guitar parts. Currently Vineyards Elementary only has 2 bass guitars to use when teaching groups of 28-30 students at a time. The purchase of these instruments will greatly improve the ability for students to practice bass guitar technique before transferring their knowledge to the playing of the electric bass guitars. The addition of the two Dolly Parton biographies will be integrated into the lessons to accompany the literacy portion of the grant. The book, "Who is Dolly Parton?", will be utilized to give students an opportunity to read aloud and/or independently to improve retention and comprehension while being exposed to the musical and philanthropic contributions of Dolly Parton. The teacher will read the book, "Dolly Parton Biography for Kids", to give another point of view of her contributions and to learn/discuss events and contributions from Dolly Parton that are not included in the previously listed student book. By providing funds for this grant, the 5th grade students at Vineyards Elementary will gain much more than the ability to play instruments not traditionally taught in elementary school. They will have the opportunity to learn about a musician who remains active in the public eye rather than studying only historical figures. They will understand the often-overlooked contributions of women in the evolution of popular music in America. And students will gain insight into the connections of the banjo as it applies to American history and the development of country/popular music in the United States. Finally, the “Battle of the Bands” will provide students a fun and engaging way to collaborate with their peers, boost self-esteem and encourage musicianship in a way that will be memorable long after they have left Vineyards Elementary. This project combines music education, literacy development, cultural history and student performance into a single interdisciplinary experience that will continue benefiting future classes through the long-term use of purchased instruments and instructional resources.

1981.99

Maquito 18 Pcs Capos for Guitar qty. 2 @ $19.49

38.98

Augshy Guitar Slides, 8pcs Thumb & Finger Picks

16.95

AKLOT Full-Sized Banjo 38’’ qty. 2 @ $169.99

339.98

Strum Hollow 5th String Banjo Capo qty. 2 @ $14.95

29.90

Dolly Parton Biography For Kids

13.99

Who Is Dolly Parton? 30 @ $6.26

187.80

Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar qty. 13 @ $69.99

909.87

Fender Acoustasonic 15 Acoustic Instrument Amplifier Bundle 2 @ $159.99

319.98

Shipping

12.94

Tax

111.60