We were so lucky to have members of the Tidewater Bluegrass Society and friends of Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Venable come to our school and share the music and history of one of America’s oldest known artforms, Bluegrass music.  Bluegrass music originated in Kentucky (that’s why it’s called Bluegrass), and is considered the traditional music of the Appalachian and Ozark regions.  10 orchestra members stayed after school for the first of many sessions to come. The students were suprised at how fast the musicians played and how flexible they were in mastering multiple instruments.  One of the many highlights of our first session was when the beginning strings played Beethovan’s “Ode to Joy.”  After the students played their version, the Bluegrass musicians added a little pickin’ and grinnin’ to it!

                                 Beethovan’s “Ode to Joy”

The Traditional Way

With Some Pickin’ & Grinnin’