| Ballad
of America songs and stories of people who
made a country |
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children's programs: |
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| Putting the story back in history. With his voice, an acoustic guitar, and a wealth of traditional folk songs, Matthew Sabatella brings the story of the United States vividly to life. The journey begins in Colonial America and follows the paths of the pioneers, sailors, lumberjacks, immigrants, ‘49ers, farmers, slaves, soldiers, cowboys, and railroaders who moved the country across the continent and into the twentieth century. Ballad of America is ideal for libraries, camps, parks, after school and in school programs. It may be enjoyed in a single, comprehensive one-hour engagement or as a series of five themed hour-long sessions. Participants are encouraged to sing along to both well-known folk songs and rarely-heard gems. Authentic period instruments are provided for children to join in the music making. Other props and costumes are used to present the story of America in a genuine and compelling way. When experienced in five sessions, there is opportunity for deeper exploration of themes. Reading and writing activities are introduced to reinforce historical concepts and important Language Arts skills. Sessions are themed as follows:
Matthew is an experienced teacher who developed Ballad of America through years of working with school-age children. His live performances at festivals, libraries, parks, museums, and schools have entertained and informed audiences of all ages. To encourage further
exploration and learning, a recommended reading list has been assembled
and may be made available to participants. Titles are organized by topic
(pioneers, trains, slavery, cowboys, etc.) and range from picture books
for beginning readers to more sophisticated books for advanced readers.
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"Matthew Sabatella's
Ballad of America is an interactive program that incorporates
American history, stories, and music into one fun-filled, educational
program for all ages." "Matthew Sabatella's
Ballad of America has been a wonderful audio accompaniment
to the artworks reflecting the American experience in Miami Art Museum's
presentation of the exhibit American Tableaux: Many Voices, Many Stories.
The selections fill a void in the historical/musical education of young
people today. Culturally significant and often rare, Matthew's appealing
renditions help preserve traditional folk songs while entertaining listeners
of all ages with his knowledge and talent." “Through
perseverance and hard work, American settlers turned their faces west
toward the dream of finding new lives. In their struggle came the music
presented by Mr. Sabatella. Matthew is a talented performer and a teacher
not only of music, but of music which should be heard by all.” "Matthew
Sabatella’s Ballad of America is a great way for students
to learn about American history. It’s a novel approach for students
and is sure to get them more interested in history." "Performer
Matthew Sabatella's rich baritone voice perfectly complements stories
of common folk... A wonderful resource for units on nineteenth-century
American history." "...his
love of this music is infectious and the arrangements are generally
quite good. Recommended." “Sabatella
has found a mother lode of nearly forgotten gems, many pre-dating the
age of recorded music. He sings these work songs, laments and travelogues
with a plaintiveness and thorough appreciation of their meanings and
origins, and sets them to lively acoustic arrangements.” “Matthew's
arrangements and deep, rich voice bring these olds songs to life. Ballad
of America is an important and enjoyable way to learn and remember
American History. It gives us a sense of place. That's what folk music
does -- it roots us in tradition. What he's doing is patriotic as much
as anything else. He's giving us a good sense of America." "I
really enjoyed the more obscure songs which brought history and past
viewpoints to life.” “Over
a Wide and Fruitful Land, the album's subtitle, rather neatly sums
it up. Matthew Sabatella has assembled a credible song list, dappling
America's pioneer landscape with evergreen folklore balladry. His wide-ranging
vocal approaches are sensitive when desired, dynamic when untethered
emotions dictate. The small group arrangements, at times pared back
to a single instrument, are the "just right" sort of settings.
This project works "because of", not "in spite of",
campfire minimalism. Matthew Sabatella surprises in the most delightful
ways. And this is only Volume One. Can't wait for the next leg of the
trail.” “Miraculously,
Hollywood-based folkie Matthew Sabatella has packaged a history lesson
in the guise of a strikingly good album and a nerdaliciously compelling
live show that tell the story of western expansion across the American
heartland through song." "Gold-throated
troubadour Matthew Sabatella was born to make an album like Ballad
of America. This low-key, acoustic opus is more a Folkways Smithsonian-style
history lesson than a random assortment of wispy, coffee shop folk.
Casual listeners, watch out: If you pay attention, you might learn something.
Nothing if not deeply humanist, these songs reveal the sober, hopeful
spirit of the men and women who found fortune, romance, and danger on
the open range." “Miraculously,
Hollywood-based folkie Matthew Sabatella has packaged a history lesson
in the guise of a strikingly good album and a nerdaliciously compelling
live show that tell the story of western expansion across the American
heartland through song… ‘It's the kind of thing that will
appeal to just about anybody,’ Sabatella says of the songs on
Ballad of America Volume 1, most of which date back to the
early 1800s. The crowd at the Bamboo Room reflected that sentiment,
as moms, grandmoms, longhairs, blue collars, and a gaggle of wine-sipping,
Virginia Slims-puffing ladies all clapped along and sang like ornery
lumberjacks to lines like ‘And we'll range the wild woods over,
and once more a-lumbering go!’” "It's a connection
to your past, to your history. People who don't know history don't have
any sense of perspective in their lives. History is a way of knowing
yourself, who you are. These songs are a window – one of many." |