Kentucky Mountain Music and Dance

In this entertaining and fast-paced show, students will hear examples of dance tunes, work songs, humorous songs, and ballads. They will learn how the music and dance of Appalachia evolved together from the many groups who immigrated to the mountains, and they will witness the interaction between the two. They will be encouraged to participate in age-appropriate ways, including singing, call-and-response, clapping rhythms, and helping to tell stories. They will come away with an overview of the music and culture of Eastern Kentucky, including instruments used, musical styles, who settled the mountains and why, and occupations and lifeways. The intention of the program is to spark interest in and appreciation for the heritage of our state, while providing high-quality entertainment.

This program touches on many items from the Kentucky Core Content, and learning can be expanded by additional workshops in flatfoot dancing/clogging, banjo, harmony singing, and general Apppalachian Music.

Some sample Kentucky Core Content outcomes of the show:

-Students will associate music they listen to or perform with specific cultures and describe how music reflects the cultures. -Students will describe and compare/explain multiple purposed which music is created to fulfill. -Students will describe or explain how music has been a part of cultures and periods throughout history. -Students will explore and describe cultural elements of Appalachia.

Carla Gover brings her 16 years of experience as a professional musician, dancer and arts educator to every show, as well as her background growing up in the musical traditions of our state. She was a 10-year member of the Kentucky duo Zoe Speaks, and she has performed for thousands of students both in Kentucky and at such venues as Merlefest, The Kennedy Center, and the Glasgow Royal Hall. Recently, she received a fellowship at the Berea College Archives of Traditional Music to create a show and online learning resource for Kentucky students and teachers.

Pricing:

• single show: $400
• two shows: $700
• add-on workshops: $100 each