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Music Education Programs
F
 rom Ragtime to Rock and Roll“From Ragtime to Rock and Roll” explores the American musical journey from the infectious rhythms brought over by the enslaved Africans that were incorporated into spirituals, gospel, blues and jazz to the European folk music brought by Irish, English and Scottish immigrants that was incorporated into blue grass and old time music and the combination of both of these cultures into popular American rock and country music. Children participate by singing traditional American songs and clapping the distinctive rhythms that form the basis for blues, swing, country and rock.
Workshop:
Making Music Workshop
Basic elements of music: rhythm, melody, harmony and lyrics are explored through clapping, singing along and playing games. This is a fun and entertaining workshop that also teaches math and verbal skills as well as musical and creative skills.
School Residencies
Barbara can come into your school for one day to 2 weeks to
conduct workshops and performances. On an extended residency Barbara can work
with students to present a public performance of the students' work during the
residency. Barbara has done two residencies in elementary schools, one for high
school and was the Artist in Residence at Virginia Highlands Community College
in Abingdon, VA for the academic year 2000-2001. A residency can also include
Mac Walter. Barbara is listed on the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Artist in
Residence roster,
www.arts.state.va.us. Barbara and Mac are listed on the Maryland State Arts
Council Arts in Education roster
www.msac.org. Funding is available through both of these programs.
"By encouraging audience participation, the level of excitement and fun made for
these children what was possibly the most enjoyable history lesson of their
school year."
Martha Mehler, Rockbridge Regional Library, Lexington, VA
J
 ivin’ Jazz and Blues“Jivin’ Jazz and Blues” is an introduction to two great American musical forms. The program explores the blues from their birth in the Mississippi delta in the 1890’s to the emergence of jazz during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930’s. Students discover the exciting improvisational elements of jazz and how blues can be used to express sadness, anger and frustration in our daily lives. Students are introduced to the music of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Jordan and Josh white among others.
Our students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. I heard two
teachers launch into unsolicited praise for your approach and your ability to
relate to children of all ages."
Will Hovenden, Headmaster, Sumner Academy, Gallatin, TN
Earthy to Elegant: Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz
“Earthy to Elegant” Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz” is an educational program that gives audiences insight into the lives, times and musical influences of American women blues artists from the 1920’ through the “50’s, focusing on Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace and Billie Holiday. Interspersed with anecdotes from the fascinating and colorful lives of these women blues artists are performances of the songs most representative of their musical styles at different points in their careers.
“Barb is a versatile performer with an excellent blues voice and an easy rapport
with audience.”
Brook Dickson, Program Coordinator, The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Roanoke.
“You conveyed your affection for (these women), placed them historically and
gave the audience more understanding about their contribution to American
music.”
Sue Micklem, Staunton Public Library, Staunton, VA
Workshops:
Blues and Jazz Workshop
This hands on workshop is excellent for chorus and band classes wishing to learn more about blues, swing, Latin and jazz styles of singing. The workshop covers the triplet feel including, swing and shuffle rhythms, Latin rhythms, syncopation and "scatting" or vocal improvisation.
Songwriting Workshop
Songwriting is a very individual process, but knowing a few helpful techniques can help a writer over the humps. Techniques for finding creative imagery and rhymes, writing interesting, ear-catching titles and hooks and editing and rewriting will be explored. In the remaining time workshop attendees will be offered the opportunity to play a live or recorded version of an original song and receive feedback from Barbara and the group.
Guitar Workshop with Mac Walter
Guitarist extraordinaire, Mac Walter, shares the knowledge he has gleaned over 30 years of playing professionally and studying with guitar greats. The workshop can be offered as a master class for adults or a beginner's workshop for younger students.
School Residencies
Barbara can come into your school for one day to 2 weeks to conduct workshops and performances. On an extended residency Barbara can work with students to present a public performance of the students' work during the residency. Barbara has done two residencies in elementary schools, one for high school and was the Artist in Residence at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, VA for the academic year 2000-2001. A residency can also include Mac Walter. Barbara is listed on the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Artist in Residence roster, www.arts.state.va.us. Barbara and Mac are listed on the Maryland State Arts Council Arts in Education roster www.msac.org. Funding is available through both of these programs.
F
 rom Ragtime to Rock and Roll“From Ragtime to Rock and Roll” explores the American musical Journey from the infectious rhythms brought over by the enslaved Africans that were incorporated into spirituals, gospel, blues and jazz to the European folk music brought by Irish, English and Scottish immigrants that was incorporated into blue grass and old time music and the combination of both of these cultures into popular American rock and country music. The audience participates by singing traditional American songs and clapping the distinctive rhythms that form the basis for blues, swing, country and rock.
Jivin’ Jazz and Blues
“Jivin’ Jazz and Blues” is an introduction to two great American musical forms. The program explores the blues from their birth in the Mississippi delta in the 1890’s to the emergence of jazz during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930’s. The audience discovers the exciting improvisational elements of jazz and how blues can be used to express sadness, anger and frustration in our daily lives. The audience is introduced to the music of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Jordan and Josh white among others.
Earthy to Elegant: Great Ladies of
Blues and Jazz
“Earthy to Elegant” Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz” is an entertaining and education program that gives audiences insight into the lives, times and musical influences of American women blues artists from the 1920’ through the “50’s, focusing on Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace and Billie Holiday. Interspersed with anecdotes from the fascinating and colorful lives of these women blues artists are performances of the songs most representative of their musical styles at different points in their careers.
Swingin' into the Season
Barbara and Mac present seasonal favorites spiced with jazz and blues for the holiday season from their CD, Tis the Season. Light-hearted secular sing-a-longs are combined with original compositions that explore the meaning of the season from its ancient roots and spirituality. |