Tallahassee, USA – The Florida Folklife Program recently announced the availability of “The
Florida Music Train” by folklorist and ethnomusicologist Laurie K. Sommers. This educational module includes an audio CD of archival, field, and studio recordings of Florida’s traditional music; five lesson plans; a full color poster; and background information about the artists and musical traditions represented in the unit. The audio CD includes an extensive range of 23 selections that allows teachers to create countless more lessons. The musical selections feature traditional music from such legendary Florida musicians as bluegrass fiddler Chubby Wise, Cuban singer Willie Chirino, klezmer greats The Epstein Brothers, Seminole musician James Billie and more.
Musical genres include blues, sacred harp, old-time, bluegrass, a cappella gospel, as well as music from Florida’s Greek, Seminole, Bahamian, Mexican, and Haitian communities.
Designed for use in elementary and secondary classrooms, the resource integrates music education with curricula in language arts and social studies.
For more information contact the Friends of Historic Properties and Museums, Florida Heritage Education Program, Museum of Florida History, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
