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Ballou, a documentary film

Members of the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band rise above their violence-filled Washington, D.C., neighborhood in this documentary, which follows the group as they try to achieve their dream of winning the national marching band competition. Inspired by their tireless director, Darrell Watson, and helped by a dedicated team of volunteers, the musical teens put their heads, hearts and souls into making the band the best it can be.
Lesson Plans for the film include:

) Colin Powell, America’s Promise, and its Five Points

Age: High School, College
Goal: Students will analyze Ballou High School through the lens of America's Promise
Time: Three hours, or four 45 minute class periods

2) Civil Rights

Age: High School, Middle School
Goal: Students will learn about significant Civil Rights Movement leaders featured in the film “Ballou”
Time:Three hours or four 45 minute class periods

3) Proposing to Improve your School:

Age: High School, Middle School
Goal: Students will assess their school in comparison to Washington DC’s Ballou High School featured in the film “Ballou”
Time: Three hours, or four 45 minute class period

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