The Banjo: From Africa to America
Introduces students to the story of the banjo as the one genuinely African-American musical instrument and the traditional music that has been played on it. Through readings from the original story of "Benji & the Banjo Man" this program shows how the banjo and its music tie in to the history of pre-Civil War America and the melting pot of cultures of that time. Songs and spirituals sung are woven through the story, performed on a custom made gourd banjo.
Woody Guthrie and the Dust Bowl
This program ties in with curriculum on:
The Great Depression
World War II
The Dust Bowl
Farming & Migrant Labor
Stephen Foster and Early Pittsburgh History
This program ties in with curriculum on:
Music & Songwriting
Pittsburgh & US History 1820-65
The Civil War
French & Indian War
This program ties in with curriculum on:
Native American Culture in W. PA
Wars in Colonial Western PA
Pioneer Settlements
Animals & the Natural World
This program ties in with curriculum on:
Ecology, Geography and the World of Nature
Build Your Own Song
Students learn to construct a song based on well-known folk songs
Move to Your Song
Students learn to choreograph a song of their choosing
Flute encounters
Offers Students hands on experience of flutes, history of the flute, stories about flutes and flute players. Click on the link for details.

Kids meet Stephen Foster

Get up and move!