Music: INVESTIGATE THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN SOUND

Description

Kids ages 12 and up are invited to explore the roots of American music genres with this book as they investigate the social, political, and religious influences that have inspired and continue to inspire musicians. Activities and projects take it a step further engaging kids in hands-on explorations of the physics of sound vibrations, decibel levels, and acoustics. They can kick up their heels to the sound of the Charleston to explore torque or build their own djembe, fife, and bugle. Kids can also learn how to use vocal styling to improvise and use the rhythm of their bodies to create a beatbox. Encouraging readers to analyze lyrics' meanings and rhythms, the book also demonstrates how to use that analysis to write their own songs. From early Americans weaving in European traditions to African traditions influencing hymns and fold songs, the history of music in the United States is brought to life through projects and inquiry-based investigations.

Donna Latham is an award-winning author and playwright. She is the author of Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of Engineering, Canals and Dams: Investigate Feats of Engineering, Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself, Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door With 25 Projects, and Garbage: Investigate What Happens When You Throw It Out With 25 Projects. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Society of Midland Authors. Donna lives in Batavia, Illinois. Bryan Stone is a cartoonist and the illustrator of several books for Nomad Press including Explore Night Science, Explore Flight!, Explore Rivers and Ponds!, Explore Rocks and Minerals!, and Explore Electricity!. He lives in Hartland, Vermont.

School Library Journal "This overview is a STEAM advocate's delight. ...an admirable synopsis of the multicultural history of American music." Marla Conn, educational consultant "Music 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."