This fall, let music be your passport! During October and November, students in 4th through 8th grade can take journey around the world through the music and dance of foreign lands, as well as the rich musical traditions of Appalachia. This after-school program takes place each Wednesday, October 6 through November 17, and is free to all participants.

Tune Travelers is a unique opportunity for children to learn about and participate in music from around the world right here in their hometown. Participants will listen to live performances, learn to play unfamiliar instruments, sing in foreign languages, and learn traditional dances from a different country each week through hands-on workshops. Participants will also learn about each country’s geographic location, history,and culture through their musical experience.

Tune Travelers is a seven-week series of workshops taking place Wednesdays from 5-6:30pm at the Pocahontas County Opera House from October 6-November 17, 2010. Registration is completely free of charge and open to all fourth through eighth-grade children in Pocahontas County.

To register, call the Pocahontas County Opera House at 304-799-6645.

Tune Travelers is presented with financial assistance from the WV Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts. Financial support is also provided by the WV Department of Education and the Arts and the Plum Creek Foundation.

About the Program

Tune Travelers features talented adult and youth world music groups from all over West Virginia.

Mountain Duclimer

Wednesday, October 6

We will start the journey right here in the Appalachian Mountains by learning about the mountain dulcimer. Before traveling overseas to learn about other cultures, we need to be familiar with our own. Heidi Muller and Bob Webb teach mountain dulcimer to children in Charleston, West Virginia through their Music Mentors program.

Scottish Music and Dance

Wednesday, October 13

Next, we will travel to a country where much of our Appalachian musical heritage originates- Scotland. The West Virginia Highland Dancers, based in Elkins, will teach about Scottish music and traditional dances.

African Drum and Dance

Wednesday, October 20

Then, we will journey to Africa where the Greenbrier Academy for Girls African Drum and Dance Ensemble, from Pence Springs, will show us some African rhythms and dance moves.

Music of Latin America

Wednesday, October 27

And on to Latin America where we will have the pleasure of learning about music from several different countries in this part of the world from the West Virginia University Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Japanese Taiko

Wednesday, November 3

Next, we will journey to Japan to experience the music of a small country by learning about the very big drums, called taiko. The West Virginia University Taiko Ensemble will teach us about this ancient musical tradition.

Caribbean Steel Drums

Wednesday, November 10

Then, we will go to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago where we will learn about steel drums. The Frankfort Middle School “Teal Steel” Band from Ridgeley, will teach about this music.

Bringing It All Home

Wednesday, November 17

Finally, we will return home and have a “welcome home” performance to show family and community members what we have learned through musical experiences around the world.