In the United States, family bands performing authentic traditional American old time music are an endangered species. In the early 1900's a once popular past time in the U.S. was learning and playing an instrument in the comfort of your own home and with family, friends and neighbors from nearby communities. Many rural Appalachian areas birthed some of the best folk musicians because music WAS how they entertained themselves. This type of old time music did not require formal instruction and was passed down through one on one interaction of demonstration on an instrument (or voice in the case of ballads) then memorization, casually termed, "learning by ear."
Much of the early traditional music played was a blend of Irish, Scottish and English origins, with a strong rhythm that can be attributed to African roots, later this music would be called, "Old Time,"(first coined by the band, The New Lost City Ramblers). On a friday night, many small towns would hold a "jamobree," "hoe down," or square dance to celebrate and entertain themselves after a week of hard work. (Today, Floyd, a small town in South-Western Virginia still hosts a Friday Night Jamboree) Some popular family bands from the early 20th century were The Hammons Family (Very traditional old time family band from West Virginia), The Carter Family (Highly popularized song collectors and performers form south western Virginia), Blue Sky Boys, Ralph and Carter Stanely, and many more. Common family old-time music instrumentation included fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass and piano.
More than just upholding a rich musical American heritage, playing music with your family strengthens bonds and relationships in many ways that current popular pastimes never can. Not only does playing an instrument require a higher level of thinking than watching television, playing video games, shopping, etc. it's proven to improve memory, relieve stress, increase academic achievement and is FUN. Your family must learn to communicate well and if you are playing out of rythm or get the wrong notes everyone knows and you are challenged to perform to the best of your ability. Take that ipod. So, maybe every American family might not run out and by a guitar and autoharp and practice, "Will the Circle be Unbroken" in 3 part harmony tonight, but there is something to be said for keeping your family close, creating beautiful music and having a great time, so unplug yourself from the "grid," at least for a little while....!
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