Colonial Conviviality

What did our founding fathers do for entertainment? What were the rules of social engagement for ladies and gentlemen? Find out more about George Washington’s “Rules of Civility,” Thomas Jefferson’s passion for music, ten ways to tie a cravat, and how make (and move in) panniers!

"Colonial Conviviality: Music for George Washington & His Revolutionary Friends"

What was musical entertainment like in George Washington’s day? Lively dance tunes, popular songs, meeting-house anthems, and harvest ballads and choruses meet together here in a program that combines musical heritage and history. Sondra and John Bromka’s authentic historical instrumentation is exciting and diverse, including harp, hurdy gurdy, hammer dulcimer, French & English bagpipes, recorders, Baroque oboe, African banjo, Spanish guitar, and wire-strung cittern.

"Colonial Dances for Children" Workshop

From minuets to reels, dance makes history come alive! The popular dances of our colonial period were a bright reflection of the colonists' diverse multicultural heritage, the lively legacy of the immigrants who came to build and work. From these beginnings, we can trace the first traditional steps and styles that came together to create a distinctively American dance heritage and flavor. All Bells & Motley dance workshops feature live music played on authentic period instruments.

"Colonial Costuming and Etiquette" Slide Forum and Hands-on Workshop

Colonial art images serve as primary source documents as students learn about what folks wore, how they moved, and how they interacted with each other at all levels of society. Then the artists demonstrate how to make great looking colonial costumes from materials readily found at home.

Playing Pennywhistles: Hands-on Instrument Workshop

The artists guide students in the playing of Early American tunes on the pennywhistle. Known in colonial times as a flageolet, this instrument is a cheerful friend you can carry anywhere - and one will provide much pleasure and a solid foundation for learning the rudiments of music.

Dance Culminating Events

Dance workshops may be aimed toward student presentations at daytime or evening culminating heritage faires, celebrations, or sharing sessions.

Extended Residencies

The artists are available to assist in the creation of a unique project-based learning experience that embraces a spectrum of arts projects & integrates core curriculum. Culminating events are a specialty. Grants available for consultancies, planning, and implementation.

www.bellsandmotley.com

Categories: Dance, Music, Historical Portrayals, Cultural Arts (American & Multicultural), Art History

Grades: grade 4 or higher

This program supports the following Arts Learning Standards:

#1 Creating, Performing, & Participating in the Arts

#2 Knowing & Using Arts Materials & Resources

#3 Responding to & Analyzing Works of Art

#4 Understanding the Cultural Dimensions & Contributions of the Arts

for more information:

Bells & Motley Olden Music, Dance, and Storytelling

Sondra Bromka, John Bromka

www.bellsandmotley.com