Theme/Topic Statement

Throughout this unit on Appalachian folk music, I hope to challenge my students

assumptions. Students may come in thinking that Appalachian people are hillbillies or that
African Americans have not made innovations in music. However, in reality, both Appalachian
folk songs and African American spirituals continue to influence many of the styles we know and
enjoy today, such as bluegrass, country, pop, and R & B. In this way, both of these folk traditions
are an important part of Americas cultural and historical heritage.
Banjo Pickin Girl is also an ideal launching point for interdisciplinary study. For
example, students can learn about geography, immigration trends, and some of the major
industries in Appalachia around the turn of the 20th century. Additionally, the song leaves room
for discussion about gender role since it is sung from the vantage point of a woman who is
motivated, independent, talented, and ambitious. Often in womens vocal literature, the choir is
just supposed to sound pretty, but it is also important to include some literature that is feistier.
Having a balance in how women are represented in choral literature and allowing for discussions
about gender equality are important for students personal development.
The inclusion of a unit about Appalachian folk music within the broader curriculum is
part of students exposure to a wide-variety of repertoire from all cultures and time periods.
Since folksongs are meant to be simple and easy to sing, this is a good fit for an introductory
choir. However, this arrangement still adds enough stylistic nuance to make the group an
appropriate musical challenge. Finally, Banjo Pickin Girl has a lot of energy, optional
percussion parts, and fun embellishments such as slides which make it more appealing to
students.