Musical Ancestries
Musical Ancestries™ is a quarterly program designed to teach school-aged children about their musical and cultural heritage.
Each episode features a Prezi presentation that incorporates visual images, maps, audio clips, text, and hands-on activities in a user-friendly and engaging way. In addition, there are links to the original radio broadcast audio file, the written script for that audio broadcast, and further resources (both online and in the St. Louis community) for students, teachers, and families. National Standards addressed are noted in the “Resources” section of each Prezi presentation.
This program is made possible through a grant from the PNC Foundation through PNC Arts Alive, a multi-year initiative dedicated to supporting visual and performing arts.
Musical Ancestries™: India
This episode of Musical Ancestries™ is devoted to the musical instruments and artistic traditions of India. Listeners meet 10-year-old twin sister and brother, Chandra and Nitesh, and their mother Deepa. The trio travels to India, where Deepa was born, so that the twins can learn more about their musical heritage from Uncle Nihal, a well-respected musician in Mumbai. Thus begins an exciting adventure as the family experiences performances and explores Indian music, dance, and culture.
Musical Ancestries™: Central America
This episode of Musical Ancestries™ focuses on the instruments, music, and traditions of Central America. Listeners meet the fictional children's marimba group "Los Estudiantes" and their teacher, Señora Cruz. Los Estudiantes plan to perform at three music festivals in Central America, but first, they must learn about the music, history, and traditions of Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Musical Ancestries™: The Caribbean
This episode of Musical Ancestries™ highlights the instruments, music, and traditions of the Caribbean countries of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nassau in the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago. Listeners travel with Jaden and his Uncle Alejandro through the Caribbean as they visit musicians, explore traditional instruments and discover the value of Jaden’s musical roots. Each area the pair visits contributes different flavors to music that is as colorful and enchanting as the islands themselves.
Musical Ancestries™: West Africa
This episode of Musical Ancestries™ highlights the instruments, music, and storytelling traditions of the West African countries of Guinea, Mali, Benin, and Ghana. Listeners travel with characters Akisha and her Nana through West Africa as they visit musicians, explore traditional instruments and discover the value of Akisha’s musical roots. Each area the pair visits introduces them to music that is as diverse as the African landscape itself, yet resonates with the pride of their ancestry.