Education Program
Playing with Tradition
Artist
Alastair Moock
Grades
PK-3
Format
Assembly
American folk music, like all folk music, is rooted in tradition. But the form is constantly evolving, with songwriters reworking older songs to tell new stories. In this lively, upbeat performance full of participatory singing and dancing, Alastair Moock introduces young students to a diverse group of American musicians who have used folk music to teach lessons, chronicle history, champion causes, celebrate victories, and simply make people happy.
Students will meet Woody Guthrie, Mississippi John Hurt, Pete Seeger, and other heroes of American folk, and learn how Martin LutherKing, Jr. and others used the American song tradition to help inspire change during the Civil Rights movement. Alastair also sings some of his own playful compositions to show how a contemporary folk singer incorporates the folk tradition into his life and work.