Appalachian Music :: essays research papers

Appalachian Music Appalachee - people on the other side Folk music - What is folk music? Traditional songs existing in countries. Handed down through generations. Passes on by word of mouth, not written in musical notation. Don't know who wrote it. Melody and lyrics change as they are passed on. Folk Music is History in song: Tells about daily lives. Tells about Special events - often tragedies, themes of romance, battle, adventure, and history. Purpose of folk music: Entertainment, recreation, socializing, dancing, games. Teaching, make work go faster, religious. Tells a story (ballads). Origins of Appalachian people: Ireland Scotland England Music influenced by folk and mountain music: Country Bluegrass Modern folk Musical instruments used (folk instruments): Dulcimer, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, mouth bow, washtub bass. Body percussion, spoons, washboard, Jew's harp. Harmonica, jug. Bluegrass Music - What is bluegrass music? Direct descendant of old-time string band tradition, which developed out of Southern mountain dance music & songs. Combines old-time string band music with gospel harmonies & blues rhythms. Played on acoustic instruments (natural sound): Banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass fiddle, dobro (resophonic guitar) Instrumental leads used to show off technical ability Distinctive vocal harmonies Originations of Bluegrass Bill Monroe - "The father of Bluegrass" Grew up in Rosine, Kentucky (Ohio County) Music takes its name from Bill Monroe's band, The Blue Grass Boys Influenced by - Pendleton Vandiver ("Uncle Pen") the uncle who "raised" Bill and taught him how to play the fiddle. Arnold Schultz, black "blues" singer and guitar player. Timeline: 1911 - Bill Monroe born on September 13 1940's - development of bluegrass music 1950's - people began referring to his style of music as Bluegrass 1960's - concept of "bluegrass festival" introduced 1996 - Bill Monroe died on September 9 1997 - Bill Monroe inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Because of his influence on popular music Bluegrass Music featured in: Films of "Bonnie and Clyde", "Deliverance" Television Shows of "The Beverly Hillbillies", "The Dukes of Hazard" Written Overview A sample overview of the history of bluegrass music follows. It should be brief but comprehensive, as it may also be the introduction of the music to teachers as a study guide before or after an in school presentation or they may include this information in a history of social studies discussion if a program presentation is not possible. Bluegrass Music: The Roots The street balladry of the people who began migrating to America in the early 1600s is considered to be the roots of traditional American music. As the early Jamestown settlers began to spread out into the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky and the Virginias, they composed new songs about day to day like experiences in the new land.