Pedagogical potential of the Sich Riflemen’s songs in the military-patriotic education of students

The article highlights the pedagogical potential of Sich Riflemen’s songs in the military-patriotic education of students in institutions of general secondary education. The authors emphasize the importance of gradually introducing students at all school levels to the activities and creative heritage of the Sich Riflemen, which serves as a source of inspiration and valuable lessons for modern students. The art teacher is provided with concise, structured information about the Sich Riflemen, the historical period of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen movement, and the prerequisites for its formation. The article explores the directions of musical practice among the Sich Riflemen, who expressed their creative potential through theatrical performances, wind orchestra music, and choir singing. The factors that contributed to this systematic work with personnel in various areas of musical activity are also noted. The songs are considered part of the musical heritage of the Sich Riflemen, their authors, genres, themes, and features of poetry and melody. Examples of how materials about the Sich Riflemen movement can be used in art education for both middle and upper school levels. The article analyzes model educational programs “Art” for grades 5-6 and 8-9, identifying modules and topics within which materials on the Sich Riflemen movement can be appropriately used to acquaint students with historical events in Ukraine, develop relevant musical competencies, and most importantly, foster military-patriotic education of students. The examples of individual songs show: the approximate content of the discussion with students of the meanings of songs, their values ​​​​for modern youth; Research prospects for continuing the study of this topic are deepened in high school in the format of art projects with the search for interesting facts, comparison of performing interpretations of songs, acquaintance with the work of diaspora performers, etc. The conclusions state that the pedagogical potential of Sich Riflemen’s songs in military-patriotic education of students is significant, since songs serve as a powerful tool for: forming national identity, fostering patriotism, developing historical memory, fostering the virtues of a Ukrainian patriot, supporting the fighting spirit of Ukrainians; developing critical thinking – the ability to interpret events, understand causes and consequences, and form one’s own position.