Introducing folk instruments and music to elementary school children

Songs of the Pioneers - presenting folk music and folk instruments to elementary school children
Les and Gwen Gustafson-Zook perform folk songs on autoharp and guitar
Les Gustafson-Zook - National Championship Autoharp performer
Folk music for autoharp and guitar on cassette and CD recordings
Appalacian dancing doll toys
Les Gustafson-Zook - performer, instructor, entertainer


Comments
What school personnel are saying about the Songs of the Pioneers presentation.

2007-2008 Schedule
Where Songs of the Pioneers is being presented this year.

2006-2007 Schedule
Where Songs of the Pioneers was presented last year.


 Songs of the Pioneers - a fun and educational presentation of folk intruments and American songs for school children.

The Songs of the Pioneers presentation is a fun, interactive and educational way to expose children to the songs pioneers were singing as they traveled west. Les brings a car load of acoustic musical instruments to your school, introduces each instrument with some of it's history, sings songs from the 1800's, and ties the whole presentation together with pioneer experiences. It captures and holds the attention of K-6 students for 55 exciting and entertaining minutes. One music teacher from Ohio describes it this way:

"Your program was just wonderful!! You are bringing back the folk music all children should know and love, and do it in such a fun way that the children can't help but love it!!"

It's a great way to introduce students to some of the variety of folk instruments in the American tradition, as well as challenging them to think about some of the struggles pioneers had to deal with, including separation from loved ones, traveling priorities, creative ingenuity, and making their own musical entertainment. Students are involved in the presentation through questions, encouragment to sing and by providing rhythmic accompaniment on several songs.

Instruments include:
guitar, autoharp, mandolin, mtn. dulcimer, banjo, bowed psaltry, fiddle, ukelele, jew's harp, mouth bow, bass, harmonica, spoons, & limberjack.

Songs include:
Arkansas Traveler, Turkey in the Straw, Home on the Range, Wait for the Wagon, Red River Valley, Oh Susanna, Camptown Races, Yankee Doodle, Shortning Bread, Liza Jane, Skip to My Lou, Polly Wally Doodle, Old Joe Clark, Coming Round the Mtn., and Buffalo Gals.

Also available for day-long residencies in your school, which could include smaller group presentations with question times and an evening concert for families. This presentation is very appealing for special intergenerational events, such as grandparents days. The music touches all generations for a fun group activity.

For further information or bookings, contact Les at Les@gustafsonzook.com.