Participation Type
Poster
Presentation #1 Title
Coal Mining Songs: A Genre for All Ages
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Coal Mining Songs: A Genre for All Ages
In 2002, my initial research into coal mining song repertoire led me to establish a Coal Mining Music Curriculum for Elementary Schools in the state of Virginia. During my teaching career through 2012, I implemented this curriculum with students in grades 4-6. This year, it was further expanded to include an adapted version for adult students which I incorporated into my community outreach project as an instructor for Lifelong Learning at Shepherd University. This poster presentation will explore the concept of teaching this unique repertoire to students of all ages. Different age groups exhibit diverse learning styles but the similarities in the appreciation of this particular genre’s repertoire were noteworthy. Coal mining songs and the stories in their creation are a valued part of community education for students of all ages. The historical significance of nurturing an appreciation of coal mining songs through interesting repertoire with Orff instrumental accompaniment has ageless appeal. Students sing, accompany their singing with Orff instruments, and develop a shared understanding of music and the Appalachian culture through group ensemble work.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Jones is a coal miner’s granddaughter that created a coal mining song repertoire for students during her 25 year public school teaching career. She currently teaches this genre at Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning as a community outreach to promote the cultural and aesthetic value of coal mining songs as a valued Appalachian music genre.
Coal Mining Songs: A Genre for All Ages
Coal Mining Songs: A Genre for All Ages
In 2002, my initial research into coal mining song repertoire led me to establish a Coal Mining Music Curriculum for Elementary Schools in the state of Virginia. During my teaching career through 2012, I implemented this curriculum with students in grades 4-6. This year, it was further expanded to include an adapted version for adult students which I incorporated into my community outreach project as an instructor for Lifelong Learning at Shepherd University. This poster presentation will explore the concept of teaching this unique repertoire to students of all ages. Different age groups exhibit diverse learning styles but the similarities in the appreciation of this particular genre’s repertoire were noteworthy. Coal mining songs and the stories in their creation are a valued part of community education for students of all ages. The historical significance of nurturing an appreciation of coal mining songs through interesting repertoire with Orff instrumental accompaniment has ageless appeal. Students sing, accompany their singing with Orff instruments, and develop a shared understanding of music and the Appalachian culture through group ensemble work.
