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Lesson

Before the Blues: From Africa to America

Listen What I Gotta Say: Women in the Blues (3rd–5th) / Before the Blues: From Africa to America

Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives

  1. West African Connections

    • Identify some of the musical practices found in the blues that can be traced to West African music traditions.
    • Approx. 30 minutes
  2. Ring Shouts

    • Explain some of the main features of ring shouts (a precursor to the blues)
    • Describe connections between ring shouts and West African music traditions
    • Approx. 30 minutes
  3. Field Hollers

    • Explain some of the main features of field hollers
    • Identify some of the musical practices found in field hollers that are also found in the blues
    • Actively engage with field hollers through performance
    • Approx. 30 minutes

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