Weathervane Newsletter Winter 1996

Northampton's tradition as a music center dates back at least to the late 18th century. Among the more popular of early Northampton imprints in the rare book collection of Historic Northampton is the American Musical Miscellany, published in 1798. Consisting of popular songs, anti-slave laments, ballads and patriotic music, this publication offers insight into the public issues and private lives of those who lived in Northampton in the first years of the Republic.

Music educator Nicholas Kachulis and Tim Ericksen, musicologist and performer, will draw upon these materials in developing a program for elementary school students. Classroom presentations will examine shape note singing, the singing school tradition, the musical elements and compositional approach to early music and will explore the social, cultural and historical context of the era in which this music developed. Designed for 5th grade Early American History units, this cross-disciplinary approach will utilize music study and performance as a vehicle by which students may encounter past cultures rooted in the local history of their community.

This program will be funded in part by a $1000 grant from the Northampton Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

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