Children and American Folk Music

Last month, my blog focused on a recent adult show I played in Sarasota with the Rambling String Band. This month I'd like to share some of my experiences doing Ballad of America children's programs in public libraries and schools. After a bit of pontificating here at the beginning, there are pictures and videos from recent programs.

One of the main goals of my children's programs is to get kids singing songs that played a role in America's history. I weave the songs together in a way that tells a story or stories about what went on here before they were born. We might cover the colonial period, the American Revolution, westward expansion, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, or all of the above.

I know that I have important work to do in getting kids to listen to, sing, and understand American folk music. Often I will include the song Yankee Doodle in a program. I introduce the song, without naming it, by explaining its significance in the American Revolution. Then I plunk out the melody to Yankee Doodle on the banjo and ask the kids if they know the name of the song. I usually receive an enthusiastic response of "Barney!" from the participants. True, the purple dinosaur has applied the folk process to the familiar tune by fitting it with new words for the theme song to his television program. But, as I said, I know that I have work to do.

I believe in Caroline Kennedy's words that "...children have an immense capacity for faith and for patriotism. If their introduction to the story of our country is captivating, they can develop a lifelong interest in history and a willingness to engage in civic life."

I know what's going on in our elementary schools, at least in Florida, where American history is a "if we have time for it after preparing students for standardized tests in every subject except Social Studies" subject. And I know that American children are not learning the songs of their own heritage as they once did. A study by Dr. Marilyn Ward at the University of Florida confirms this and goes on to assert:

Children need and use these songs to help them understand the world and complex interrelationships that defy logic and a child's capacity to make sense of things. The songs help kids better learn history and important events, empathize with the plight of others, step into another's shoes, and experience the perspectives, hardships, and joys of their grandparents and ancestors.

But that's not all. These folk songs help children form connections and bonds with their communities and our American society at large. Music is powerful, and it has the ability to dramatically affect emotions, attitudes, and perspective. Children need the associations and bonds of these songs. They help children develop empathy for others and a vested interest in the future of their nation. They need these bonds and connections to develop a foundational sense that they are an integral and valuable part of their communities and society. There's a huge difference in the way adults relate to others when their perspective is "me vs. everyone" as opposed to "we're on the same team here."

Of my CDs, I would recommend Ballad of America Volume 2: America Singing for kids and adults of all ages. It is full of folk songs that everyone should know: Oh Susanna!, Blue Tail Fly, Red River Valley, etc. For older kids and adults, Ballad of America Volume 1: Over a Wide and Fruitful Land tells the story of the westward expansion of this country through the words and music of those who made it happen.

'Nuff said. On with the show.

Songs of the Railroad

For a series of recent programs at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, I focused on songs of the railroad and shared stories about the people who built the railroad, and those who rode the rails around the country.

Watch the Video!

Songs of the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was strengthened by people singing together wherever they gathered. This Little Light was one of the most popular songs of the movement.

Watch the Video!

Folk Instruments

In my children's programs, I introduce and play a variety of folk instruments. We even assemble a pioneer rhythm band from the audience to play along on a song or two.

Demonstrating the mountain dulcimer.



Demonstrating the limberjack.

Demonstrating the gourd banjo.

Distributing spoons to young musicians.

Student playing the limberjack.

Student playing the spoons.

Student playing the washboard.

Pioneer rhythm band.

Fun for all ages.