8 th grade students (taking notes) learn the beginnings of early American music starting with the colonists (European influence). Students will then be given a short version of slavery in America and the influence from the Africans (banjo, syncopation, drums). Students will be formatively assessed in later classes.

Time: 17 th, 18 th, and 19 th centuries (1600’s, 1700’s & 1800’s) Place: Early (Colonial) America

People traveled, on boats, from Europe (especially England) to begin a new life in a new world that would later become the United States of America. With them were brought their traditions, beliefs and customs. These European settlers created communities in different areas on the East coast, which became known as colonies. Of course, the people who lived in these colonies were called colonists. This is why this period in history is called Colonial America.

When settlers arrived in this New World, some lived in what is known as Jamestown, Virginia (1607). They met Native Americans who were already living there. These colonists learned new ways of living or customs from these Native Americans. They learned how to plant crops like corn and beans.

The settlers brought with them their music influences. Composers that were popular in Europe during Early American times were Bach and Handel (1600s), Mozart (1700s) and Beethoven (1700s -1800s). Musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, timbre, tempo, and dynamics which were used by European composers, were incorporated in the colonists’ music.

Adults brought their treasures and most cherished possessions with them on the trip to the New World. Some of their possessions included music instruments. Instruments brought over from Europe that became prominent in the New World: Violin Recorder Harpsichord (if you could get it shipped over) Piano wasn’t invented until Guitar Dulcimer Harmonica MandolinMandolin

(Classical) Even though settlers brought over the styles and elements of music to the New World, European music (Classical) was rarely performed in the colonies. Big cities and towns and rich people (politicians, etc.) had classical music performed at special events.

Folk songs and Game songs Folk songs and Game songs were one of the most popular styles of music in Colonial America. Folk songs are songs that tell stories. Game Songs examples: Ring Around The Rosie, Mulberry Bush, London Bridge Folk Songs examples: Old Dan Tucker; Oh, Susannah

GOSPEL MUSIC Europeans brought Catholicism, Protestantism and Judaism to early America. With these religions came spiritual musical practices that were both preserved (kept the same) and adapted (changed). Gospel music eventually developed within the Christian denominations.

Africans were brought over as slaves to the Americas. They “carried” with them their culture, beliefs, and music. They brought over their rhythms and re-made instruments that they used in Africa. To make a long story short:

The slaves sang work songs while working in the fields of the slave owners. Over time, these work songs integrated with Early American songs and church (gospel) music and developed into a style of music called Spirituals. These spirituals were usually in Call and Response form.

Africa’s Contribution to Music: Improvisation : Making music up as you go along. Call & Response Polyrhythms : Two or more contrasting rhythm patterns being played at the same time. Banjo Drums

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO LEARN THE POLYRHYTHM PATTERNS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS!!!

POLYRHYTHM EXERCISE A B C

Early American music influences came from Europe (musical elements such as melody, harmony, form, etc.; music of Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Mozart) Instruments of Early America: violin (fiddle), dulcimer, banjo, guitar, harpsichord, jaw harp, harmonica, and recorder Styles of Music: Folk Songs - usually about everyday life; passed down from generation to generation (artistic expression; recreational) Game Songs – for recreation. Church music (Gospel) - Hymns (Songs for worship) (Ceremonial) Formal (Classical) (artistic expression)

Improvisation: Making music up as you go along. Call & Response Banjo Drums POLYRHYTHMS: Many different rhythms being played at the same time. Africa’s Contribution to Early American Music: