NORTH COUNTRY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
It is a fantastic day when I can combine my love of folk music, children and being in the kitchen--three of my favorite things! Traditional Arts in Upstate New York [TAUNY] teamed up with the NORTH COUNTRY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM and together we created a musical cooking event for kids.
Abigail-fiddle, Camilla-banjo, Gretchen-fiddle, Lidija- fiddle (NCCM photo)
The Museum Without Walls set up shop in TAUNY's new teaching kitchen for a "Kitchen Junket." North Country children were invited to experience the connections between food, music and dance. Along with banjoist Camilla Ammirati (TAUNY Program Director) we sang food songs (Shortnin 'Bread, Boil 'em Cabbage, Angeline the Baker) while the children sang and played typical kitchen instruments like spoons, dinner bells to washboards, washtub basses...and even bones.
Washtub bassists try the tune Hot Cross Buns. (Hilarious)
Wooden spoons on washboards play Boil 'em Cabbage 'down.
In true "house party" fashion, the kids washed their hands and went to the kitchen to bake a batch of shortin' bread. We pushed back the furniture and had a dance while it baked in the oven. A wonderful afternoon that, judging by the kids' enthusiasm, will keep this tradition alive in many North Country homes.
"Gretchen is able to translate the North Country's rich musical traditions in an engaging and spirited way for children of all ages- including the parents who hadn't danced the reel since elementary school! She is a tremendous asset for the cultural and educational institutions in our region."
-Sharon Vegh Williams, Executive Director, North County Children's Museum
VIDEO- Angeline the Baker by banjoist Camilla Ammirati and fiddler Gretchen Koehler.