Appalachian Folk Music

Outcome I will be able to describe Appalachian music. I will be able to describe Appalachian music.

Timbre Dulcimer Banjo Fiddle Guitar

Timbre (continued) Washboard Jug Voice Spoons

Melody Easy to sing Often tells a story Catchy tunes, with memorable lyrics

Harmony Accompanies the melody Many singers would add parts to the melody, creating a rich harmony.

Rhythm Simple Simple doesn’t mean easy. It means that there aren’t layers and layers of complex rhythms like there are in other culture’s music.

Form Usually Verse and Chorus Usually Verse and Chorus Can also be AB or Round Can also be AB or Round

Purposes Recreational and Recreational and Recreational Ceremonial (church or worship) Ceremonial (church or worship) Game Songs and Play Parties (this was actually dancing, but given another name when dancing was not allowed) Game Songs and Play Parties (this was actually dancing, but given another name when dancing was not allowed) Work Songs – Railroad songs, sea chanties, etc Work Songs – Railroad songs, sea chanties, etc Lullabies Lullabies Ballads – A song that tells a story with many verses Ballads – A song that tells a story with many verses

Cultural Connections Handed down from generation to generation Handed down from generation to generation Like the Native Americans, the early folk culture made their instruments from their resources. Like the Native Americans, the early folk culture made their instruments from their resources. Used functional instruments found in the home, such as spoons, jugs, and washboards for rhythm instruments. Used functional instruments found in the home, such as spoons, jugs, and washboards for rhythm instruments. Some lyrics were put to familiar songs from their European ancestors (Irish, English, and Scottish) Some lyrics were put to familiar songs from their European ancestors (Irish, English, and Scottish)

Cultural Connections (continued) Early settlers were not always able to bring their instruments from Europe, so they made them by hand once they arrived. (fiddle, guitar, etc.) Early settlers were not always able to bring their instruments from Europe, so they made them by hand once they arrived. (fiddle, guitar, etc.) Music told of their lives Music told of their lives

Folk Music is the music of every day people passed down through an oral tradition and dealing with every day things.