Music
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Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound

By Donna Latham  
Illustrated by Bryan Stone
The United States boasts a rich musical diversity. Early Americans discovered ways to weave European traditions with new cultural influences to compose a unique musical identity. African traditions influenced hymns and folk songs that connected people to religion and to the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Patriotic tunes created unity in wartime. Even now, America's jazz, blues, rock, and hip-hop continue to evolve from their African-American origins. Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound invites kids ages 12 and up to explore the roots of American music genres as they investigate the social, political, and religious influences that inspire musicians. Activities encourage readers to inquire into the art and science of music. Readers can engage in a hands-on exploration of the physics of sound vibrations, decibel levels, and acoustics, or use vocal styling to improvise and discover the rhythm of their bodies to create a beatbox. Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound encourages readers to analyze lyrics, their meanings, and rhythms, and then use that analysis to write their own songs.
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Reviews

School Library Journal
“This overview is a STEAM advocate's delight . . . an admirable synopsis of the multicultural history of American music.”

Children's Literature
This book utilizes the latest educational trend, STEM teaching, to introduce musical forms and simple science experiments. The growth of American music is shown from colonial music to war-inspired themes and finally the digital formats available today. This would make a good reference volume or addition to a teachers personal collection.”

Marla Conn, educational consultant
“Music is FABULOUS! From the minute it hits our eardrums as a vibration—to the history of how music came to be through good times and bad, to the evolution of new technology and modern interpretations—readers will enjoy this informative journey. It is highly motivating and well written. The activities are thought provoking, engaging and entertaining, allowing students to connect the text to self, the world, and other texts! I love this book! It hits EVERY standard for reading informational text, history, and science.”

Cecil Adderley, Ph.D., Chair, Music Education Department, Berklee College of Music
“Provides the young reader with a glimpse into the evolution of American music with outlines of historical events that encourage further discovery. Diverse musical styles provide a broad scope of all things American.”

Dr. Deborah Check Reeves, Curator of Education and Woodwinds, Associate Professor of Music, National Music Museum, The University of South Dakota
“Surveys the blending of cultures and styles that produces a unique American sound. Not only does it explore music as an art, it introduces music as a science. Students and teachers will especially like the ‘Inquire and Investigate' sections at the end of every chapter.”

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Detailed Book Description

The United States boasts a rich musical diversity. Early Americans discovered ways to weave European traditions with new cultural influences to compose a unique musical identity. African traditions influenced hymns and folk songs that connected people to religion and to the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Patriotic tunes created unity in wartime. Even now, America's jazz, blues, rock, and hip-hop continue to evolve from their African-American origins. Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound invites kids ages 12 and up to explore the roots of American music genres as they investigate the social, political, and religious influences that inspire musicians. Activities encourage readers to inquire into the art and science of music. Readers can engage in a hands-on exploration of the physics of sound vibrations, decibel levels, and acoustics, or use vocal styling to improvise and discover the rhythm of their bodies to create a beatbox. Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound encourages readers to analyze lyrics, their meanings, and rhythms, and then use that analysis to write their own songs.

Available In:
Hardcover, $21.95
9781619301993
Paperback, $16.95
9781619302037
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | black and white interior | 128 pages
Subject: Social Studies
Content Focus: U.S. History

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
Make Your Own Kind of Music

Chapter 1
Good Vibrations

Chapter 2
Colonial Times and the Music of Slave Life

Chapter 3
The Birth of a New Nation: Patriotic Music

Chapter 4
The Roaring Twenties: Jazz, Blues, and Country

Chapter 5
War and Social Change: Patriotism and Protest

Chapter 6
Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay

Chapter 7
The Age of Technology

Glossary
Resources
Index