African-American sailor's story comes to life through music

Children in Boston will get a history lesson, not with text books, but through a story telling style that features music.

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra commissioned the work "David and the Old Ironsides," which will be performed in Boston and surrounding neighborhoods this summer. The work is based on the true story of David Debias, an African-American boy from the North Slope of Beacon Hill who served aboard the USS Constitution in the 19th century.

"As the story is being narrated, the orchestra plays music to accompany it," said Charles Ansbacher, conductor and artistic director of the orchestra. "It's like a children's book with the music as illustrations. The music paints the picture. If in the story they are getting ready for battle, the music will represent the anxiety in the air."

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra, founded in 2001, has performed free concerts celebrating historical, geographical, and architectural settings. In 2002, its started offering an annual work for children with the idea of matching landmarks with sight and sound, said Ansbacher .

According to Ansbacher, music works well with story telling because it helps children remain engaged longer.

The narrative for "David and the Old Ironsides" was written by Constance Leeds, a retired lawyer who has also published a book for young adults. The music was composed by Larry Bell, who teaches at the New England Conservatory. The first performance will be July 31 at the Charlestown Navy Yard, in front of the USS Constitution.

In August, the orchestra will play the work at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, at the Shirley-Eustis House in Roxbury, the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, and the Great Hall in Codman Square in Dorchester. All performances are free.