Presentations & Workshops For Schools, and Social Interest groups

Introduction Traditional Songs and Ballads are an informative and entertaining window into the past, and when performed in these themed workshops by well respected folk musicians Sara Grey - www.maclurg.com/saragrey/ and Tom Spiers - www.springthyme.co.uk/spiers , they bring to life, tales of battle, murder, love, deceit and social conditions. Each presentation lasts approximately 60 minutes, but can vary depending on the amount of audience participation, or be modified to fit within a specified time slot. If facilities permit, a PowerPoint presentation of the key facts with relevant illustrations, adds to the impact of the workshop. Presentations   1. Song Migration from England, Ireland and Scotland to North America Colonisation of the New World started in the 16th Century, and along with their few possessions, the new inhabitants brought with them their culture. This workshop explains why many songs and ballads were preserved, while others were radically changed, though still recognisable.   2. Cold Mountain The book and film of “Cold Mountain” serve as a background for this presentation of traditional songs from the American Civil War. It looks at the importance of song in passing on news and information in a time when the only means of conveying these tragic events was by word of mouth. Students who have attended this "Cold Mountain" workshop have been struck by the effectiveness and power of song....the way it can get inside the very soul and leave the listener with emotions that aren't possible by simply reading the same account on the written page.   3. The Song Carriers Many of the old songs and ballads which are still sung throughout the English speaking world significantly predate the printing press. How, where and why did they survive? Who were the ‘Song Carriers’?   4. Songs of Work and Social Life Songs from the farm Bothies and fishing communities of Britain, to the Sheticamps and Bunkhouses of North America’s loggers and ranch hands, give great insight to the conditions, aspirations and humour of our predecessors and bring to life our social history.   5. Songs and Ballads of Superstition and Supernatural Many traditional songs and ballads are based on very old beliefs, and were intended as a warning to the unwary. This workshop dissects a number of these tales and helps to unlock their meaning, bringing new understanding and enjoyment to singers and listeners alike.   6. Songs of the Sea Sea Shanties are usually the first thing which springs to mind when we mention Sea Songs, but the subject is much wider than this. Fishing, Whaling, War, Piracy all come under this general heading, which makes for a very entertaining workshop. Cost: One presentation £250 Two presentations on the same day (same or different subjects) £350     Contact: Sara Grey – 01764 683550 / 07977 139 422 / saragrey@compuserve.com Tom Spiers – 01337 827156 / 07913 903 943 / tomspiers@aol.com