American Music Legacy:  Detailed description of the complete show.

Throughout the show, music is demonstrated along with descriptions of the techniques being used, as well as informative historical background on the styles and performers involved. 

The performance begins with a demonstration of modern Rock guitar, followed by an example of older Fifties Rock and Roll music. This leads to earlier electric Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Swing, Country and Ragtime styles and then traditional acoustic blues, dating back to the post Civil War era. It’s pointed out how African Americans were deeply involved in the formation of the blues at this time as they were trying to disassociate themselves from the imagery of plantation life. Part of that image included playing the banjo, which is an instrument of African origin. The 5 string banjo is then demonstrated in Bluegrass and traditional Appalachian styles. The tenor banjo is played in American plectrum style (played with a pick), as well as Celtic style. The rest of the show presents fiddle styles continuing with Irish, followed by French Canadian, New England, Scottish, traditional Appalachian (which features regional styles from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, finishing with Cajun music. The Cajun song involves participation of a student playing a triangle, and all are encouraged to sing along with some simple lyrics as a chorus.