Education
Bluegrass! Class Syllabus
Introduction
Welcome to the Bluegrass! education program - Introduce the Alaska String Band players.
Demonstrate a Traditional Bluegrass Tune
Discussion
- Define the roots, history, influences and development of bluegrass music in the hands of the "Father of Bluegrass" music (Bill Monroe) and his contemporaries
- Divulge how the method of passing along the bluegrass tradition of music has been accomplished through multiple avenues of education
- Note how, with the passage of time in the hands and minds of creative artists, bluegrass has influenced the conception of new genres of music
Instrument Spotlight
Portrays each stringed instrument highlighting its role in the bluegrass band formation and examines selected techniques unique to each instrument as heard in the bluegrass sound
Fiddle
Inform and demonstrate to students the features of a fiddle and some variations of playing technique in contrast to that of the classical violin -- show how the fiddle can accompany other lead instruments as well as step out and take the lead, emphasizing the importance of sharing the melody line in a tune with other instruments in the band
Guitar
Demonstrate guitar back-up skills as well as the flat picking method popular in bluegrass standards
Banjo
Exhibit a banjo and describe its African counterpart the percussive instrument "mbanza", explain the development of the American made instrument, the banjo, as we know it today
Bass
Discuss the importance of and driving force behind the bluegrass sound -- demonstrate the impressive "slap-bass" technique
Mandolin
Melody, harmony and rhythm techniques are defined and executed to show this instrument's versatility in the bluegrass configuration -- the percussive strum technique and counter rhythm are highlighted to show how they both contrast with and enhance other instrumentalists in the band
Voice
Consider the power of communication when delivered in the form of music -- recount the significance traditional song has in the conveyance of history and cultures -- give examples of voice layering in harmony and acappella singing -- draw attention to the "high lonesome sound" attributed to the tenor singers of bluegrass
Dance
Relate how regional dance styles combined with instrumentation by band members can contribute another percussive and visually compelling quality to bluegrass entertainment
Encourage Curious Students and Aspiring Musicians
- To learn to play an instrument, sing or dance
- To uphold value and respect for all genres of music while fostering recognition for the interconnectedness of various styles of music
- Challenge students to give their best efforts in whichever style of music or artistic medium they may pursue -- pointing out that each skill developed builds and equips the artist to greater understanding, achievement and appreciation of the arts -- thus preparing them to successfully learn and excell in every art they are inspired to explore
- Explain the importance of dedicated practice to the success of mastering an instrument and exhort students to rise to the challenge -- temper this with practical advise on practice expectations
- Offer suggestions on how to find a teacher or resources to help with further exploration in the world of bluegrass
Conclusion
Perform a bluegrass number featuring each member of the band combining instruments, voice and dance