3/24/2019
Memories of
Stephen Foster
Arranged by David Shaffer
Grade 2
3 ½ MINUTES
Learning Targets
 The students will be able to play through the piece accurately and with
musical expression.
 The students will understand the historical and cultural significance of the
piece and the composer it is based on.
 The students will be able to successfully perform various exercises and
chorales in the keys of A-Flat, E-Flat, and B-Flat.
Historical Notes
About the Composer:
As one of America's principal and most influential songwriters, Stephen Foster shares his birthday with
that of the nation. Born on 4 July 1826 in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, Foster revealed
an early interest in music but received little formal training. He was eighteen when his first song was
published, "Open Thy Lattice, Love" (1844), set to a poem by George P. Morris; however, its title page
erroneously credited the composer as "L. C. Foster." Subsequently, Foster served as both composer and
lyricist to his songs, which numbered over two hundred.
Some of Foster's earliest songs were modeled on those he heard performed in minstrel shows. His first big
hit, "Oh! Susanna" (1847), which launched Foster's career as a songwriter, became a favorite with minstrel
troupes. The song also became associated with the California Gold Rush of 1849, as the forty-niners
adapted a parodied version as their unofficial anthem. In 1850, Foster composed "De Camptown Races,"
which was introduced by the Christy Minstrels (founded by Edwin P. Christy), the most famous minstrel
troupe of the day. Like "Susanna," "De Camptown Races" was also used by the forty-niners en route to
California in a parody entitled "Sacramento." On 22 July 1850, Foster married Jane Denny McDowell;
their daughter Marion was born nearly one year later. Foster's romantic ballad, "Jeanie with the Light
Brown Hair" (1854), is perhaps the most famous of the songs he composed for his bride.
In 1851, Foster sent Christy a sentimental song, "Old Folks at Home," more commonly known as "Swanee
River." By November 1854, the song had sold over 130,000 copies, making it one of Foster's most popular
and successful compositions. Another of Foster's melodies, "My Old Kentucky Home" (1853), was also
adopted as an official state anthem. Foster's only melody to be inspired by his actual visit to the state, it
became Kentucky's state song in 1928.
About the Arranger:
David Shaffer was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended Grove City High School, Grove City, Ohio.
He holds a Bachelor Degree from the Ohio State University and a Master of Music Degree from
Miami University (Ohio). Mr. Shaffer has taught in the Hamilton, Ohio; Northridge, Ohio; and
Wyoming, Ohio schools. Mr. Shaffer has been associated with the Miami University Marching Band
for 30 years as Graduate Assistant Director (1978-80), Assistant Director (1980-97) and as Director
(1997 – 2009). The Miami Band has performed for seven regional Bands of America Contests. In
2003 the Miami Band was selected as the “Santa Band” in the 77th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade in New York City.
In addition to his involvement with Miami University, Mr. Shaffer has over 400 compositions and
arrangements in print. His compositions have been used at clinics and music festivals around the
world and have been placed on contest required-performance lists in the United States, Canada,
Europe, Australia, and Asia. Mr. Shaffer has been the recipient of the ASCAP Standard Award in
Music Composition for 24 years.
An Informational Video about Stephen Foster’s Music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgNbU1dkXzs
Some useful chorales to help teach key signatures. Click to open!