Mode of Program Participation
Performances and Arts
Participation Type
Workshop
Session Title
“There Are More Waters Rising”: An Appalachian Community Sing
Session Abstract or Summary
Using a round-robin, group participation format we will sing and share songs of mountain experiences from the past and present. Whether out foraging, in the church house, working in factories, or picketing for the union, folks from Appalachia have woven song into their everyday lives. In continuation of this tradition, and in keeping with the conference’s focus of “Xtreme Appalachia,” we’ll use this community sing to focus on songs of passion, resilience, anger and joy in response to our many connections to this unique region.
Participants are encouraged to bring songs that reflect Appalachia’s historic social and economic diversity. For example, sources could include Shaker hymns, African-American church songs, Shape Note hymns, children’s songs, coal mining anthems, barbershop quartet tunes and more. Participants are also encouraged to share their own compositions (especially ones designed for singing participation) that serve as reflections on personal or communal regional experiences. No one is required to have a song to attend and take part, and singing will not be required for those who simply want to listen. Come share in the many songs that tell the many stories of Appalachian experience.
Presentation #1 Title
“There Are More Waters Rising”: An Appalachian Community Sing
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Using a round-robin, group participation format we will sing and share songs of mountain experiences from the past and present. Whether out foraging, in the church house, working in factories, or picketing for the union, folks from Appalachia have woven song into their everyday lives. In continuation of this tradition, and in keeping with the conference’s focus of “Xtreme Appalachia,” we’ll use this community sing to focus on songs of passion, resilience, anger and joy in response to our many connections to this unique region. Participants are encouraged to bring songs that reflect Appalachia’s historic social and economic diversity. For example, sources could include Shaker hymns, African-American church songs, Shape Note hymns, children’s songs, coal mining anthems, barbershop quartet tunes and more. Participants are also encouraged to share their own compositions (especially ones designed for singing participation) that serve as reflections on personal or communal regional experiences. No one is required to have a song to attend and take part, and singing will not be required for those who simply want to listen. Come share in the many songs that tell the many stories of Appalachian experience.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Saro Lynch-Thomason is a ballad singer, illustrator and audio storyteller living in Asheville, NC. She shares stories of Appalachia’s labor and environmental histories through multimedia projects and performances.
“There Are More Waters Rising”: An Appalachian Community Sing
Using a round-robin, group participation format we will sing and share songs of mountain experiences from the past and present. Whether out foraging, in the church house, working in factories, or picketing for the union, folks from Appalachia have woven song into their everyday lives. In continuation of this tradition, and in keeping with the conference’s focus of “Xtreme Appalachia,” we’ll use this community sing to focus on songs of passion, resilience, anger and joy in response to our many connections to this unique region. Participants are encouraged to bring songs that reflect Appalachia’s historic social and economic diversity. For example, sources could include Shaker hymns, African-American church songs, Shape Note hymns, children’s songs, coal mining anthems, barbershop quartet tunes and more. Participants are also encouraged to share their own compositions (especially ones designed for singing participation) that serve as reflections on personal or communal regional experiences. No one is required to have a song to attend and take part, and singing will not be required for those who simply want to listen. Come share in the many songs that tell the many stories of Appalachian experience.
