Time Capsule
by Tom & Lynn Crowell
A time capsule is a container that holds objects chosen to represent the present time but buried for the intention of future discovery. That future could be soon or quite distant, depending on the goal.
We have heard that many schools like to have students put things in a time capsule the first week of school or so, and then dig it up at the end of the school year to show how much everyone has improved (as students and as people). Some things are lighthearted, like fashion trends or hairstyles, while other things may be more serious like the advancement of technology, challenges overcome, etc. Not much can change in a year, but there is always some change. Maybe come up with a list of favorite things from your students. Before you dig up the time capsule, have students complete the same list of favorite things so you can compare the two and find some cute, interesting, or funny differences.
The song "Time Capsule" is an easy-going tune set in an acoustic Americana pop style. It's mostly unison and explains not only what a time capsule is, but how it might be used. On the D.S, there is a brief divisi section, and while it's optional, it adds a little more fun. As the music indicates, the divisi notes are the lower ones.
You may also notice that there are optional hand claps in the chorus (starting in bar 14). The claps come and go, and actually have a written part, so encourage students to pay attention. But if they accidentally clap all the way through, that's not a problem. The goal is fun! For a little more joy and movement, maybe have everyone sway with the music a bit as they are clapping over their heads.
When the time capsule is being buried or dug up, consider inviting the entire school to sing along and clap along. It might also be neat to record everyone singing when it goes in, then playing it back to sing along with when it's dug up. That way they can compare their own performances and hear their own musical improvement.
Fun Fact: Over 95% of time capsules are forgotten by the fifth year. If you want to wait longer to dig it up, make sure to set a reminder in your calendar!
Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.