When Karen Crane did her student-teaching at Vandenberg Air
Force Base in Lompoc, Calif., most of her students knew patriotic
songs by heart. But when she transferred to San Jose public schools
in the 1970s, she found out
– much to her dismay – that many did not know how to sing
”
America the Beautiful,
”
”
God Bless America
”
or other traditional folk songs.
Morgan Hill – When Karen Crane did her student-teaching at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif., most of her students knew patriotic songs by heart. But when she transferred to San Jose public schools in the 1970s, she found out – much to her dismay – that many did not know how to sing “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” or other traditional folk songs.
“It was amazing to me,” said 59-year-old Crane, the leader of the Patriotic Sing children’s concert at 6pm tonight at Britton Middle School, 80 West Central Ave. “They looked at me with completely blank stares.”
The surprise led Crane, a music lover who plays piano, to weave traditional songs into her first-grade curriculum. Twelve years later, when she retired early to raise a family in Morgan Hill, she remained involved as a pianist at various school events. That led to a job as a part-time music instructor at Jackson Elementary School, and later at Burnett Elementary School and Carden Academy, as well.
Then in 1989, Ronald Macley, one of the past organizers of Morgan Hill’s Fourth of July festivities, came up with the idea of a patriotic event that would involve children. It would also revive the lapsed tradition of Morgan Hill children gathering the night before the Fourth of July to sing the songs of the country. Macley approached Crane to lead a concert, and the rest is history.
“Everything I wanted to do just fell into my hands,” said upbeat Crane.
Now, 18 years later, the Patriotic Sing still kicks off the city’s beloved Independence Day celebration. More than 100 children will perform tonight and hundreds of parents and community members are expected to pack Britton’s gym. For many in the audience, including retired U.S. soldiers, it’s an emotional show.
But for the children on stage, it’s also a chance to relish the spotlight. The popularity of the concert has made Crane a larger-than-life figure in the students’ eyes. She’s one of those teachers many don’t forget. Her energy and kind words awaken an excitement for learning, and every year former chorus members return to give her hugs.
“They adore her,” said Brigitte Heiser, an administrator at Carden Academy who has worked with Crane on the concert for the past six years. “We have children come back year after year to watch her, to see her. I think she’s everybody’s favorite teacher.”
Heiser, who is vice president of the all-volunteer Independence Day, Inc. (IDI), the group that funds the Patriotic Sing and the Fourth of July parade, said the expertise Crane brings invaluable.
“It means everything to have Karen at the helm of this,” she said. “IDI chairs have come and gone, but Karen has always done the Patriotic Sing. And I don’t believe anyone else could do it.”
Parents will also be thanking Crane tonight after the final bows are taken.
“She’s a powerhouse,” said IDI volunteer Stephanie Short, whose two youngest sons will be performing tonight. “She just has an incredible passion for this event and what it stands for, which is not only the songs that reflect our history but a chance for our children to do something for the community.”
One of the most rewarding aspects for Crane has been celebrating the return of past chorus members who are serving their country.
“I remember their bright smiling faces when they were singing,” she said. “And now they’re accepting great responsibility.”
Crane volunteers her time to lead the event, which IDI sponsors at a cost of $2,500 to rent the gym cover other costs. But Crane’s not interested in getting paid.
“It’s not for the money,” she said. “It’s for the love of the country, and being able to teach these songs.”
PATRIOTIC SING
- Concert begins at 6pm tonight at Britton Middle School, located at 80 West Central Ave.
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More than 100 students, ranging from first-graders to sixth-graders, will perform patriotic songs
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Admission is free
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Parking is available on the street near the school
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The event is followed by the annual pre-Fourth of July street dance in downtown Morgan Hill, featuring live music
FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
- Patriotic Sing – Tuesday, July 3, 6pm, Britton
Middle School Gym – Downtown Morgan Hill
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Annual street dance and live concert – Tuesday, July 3, 7pm, downtown Morgan Hill
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Pancake Breakfast – Wednesday, July 4, 7am, P.A. Walsh Elementary School
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Freedom 5K Run, One-mile walk – Wednesday, July 4, 8am, P.A. Walsh Elementary School
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Pre-parade Car Cruise and entertainment – Wednesday, July 4, 9am, downtown Morgan Hill and along parade route
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Fourth of July Parade – Wednesday, July 4, 9:30am, parade starts in downtown Morgan Hill
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Downtown Family Festival, live entertainment and Car Show – Wednesday, July 4, 11:30-2:30pm, downtown Morgan Hill
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Pre-fireworks entertainment – Wednesday, July 4, 6pm, Morgan Hill Community Park, 299 West Edmundson Ave.
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Fireworks Extravaganza – Wednesday, July 4, Begins at dark, Morgan Hill Community Park, 299 West Edmundson Ave.
