Back in the late 90s I worked as a temp at the University of Virginia International Center . Something I enjoyed most while working there was watching them learn about American culture in their English language groups. My favorite was their book group where they would read American novels and discuss them. I was challenged by the teacher then to summarize, "To Kill a Mockingbird," in one sentence. It cannot be done!
The book group gave me the idea that a similar study group could be formed to learn about American music. So, my new series was born. In our first lesson we discussed, "This Land is Your Land," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "Wayfaring Stranger." They are great examples of a folk song, African-American spiritual and a Gospel song respectively.
I passed out the lyrics and sang for them and each song brought up questions and comments. What does it mean "No Trespassing?" in "This Land is Your Land"? One student answered, "not allowed?" Yes and that was the main point of the song because the lyrics say next:
"On the other side, it didn't say nothing
That side was made for you and me."
In other words, this land is made for everyone. No matter your social class, ethnic background, skin color, etc. "This land was made for you and me."
Next I asked, "How does the song, "Wayfaring Stranger," make you feel"? One student answered, "It makes me feel like how I feel right now, far away from home." Yes. It's a song written back in the 1700s about the plight of the pilgrims and the hope of going to a better place in the afterlife.
Then I showed them some videos of Bluegrass music Bill Monroe and Alison Kraus. But the real treat was of this performance of the popular Old Time band Carolina Chocolate Drops:
Our next class we'll focus on Blues and Jazz. Looking forward to that!!
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