The piece I chose this week is titled "Clare's Dragoons" and is performed by Na Casaidigh (also known as The Cassidys) using voice and various instruments. This piece is a vocal Irish ballad originally composed by Thomas Davis in the early 1800s. It describes "Clare's Dragoons" (originally known as Clare's Regiment) who fought for King James II of Englad during the Williamite War in Ireland. According to Lew and Campbell, children "learn of their world through the playful songs they sing, and they learn music through opportunities to explore and discover just what music is" (Lew and Campbell pg. 58). Students learn about their world through play. Students will sing songs during play time and these songs are rich in history. Take for instance the play song, "Ring around the Rosey" that actually describes what happened during the Bubonic Plague. Songs are rich in history and students socialize and learn with these songs even when they don't realize it. This song is a slower song and wouldn't be used much in play. However, with it being a ballad, children might hear this slow song as a lullaby. They will learn history from this song! Music plays an important part in learning. Music aids in building language development, reasoning skills, and socialization. Children learn these skills through lullabies sung to them as children as well as playground songs and games they play.
References:
Campbell, P., Shehan, L., Chooi-Then, J. (2005). Children’s natural and necessary musical play: Global contexts, local applications. Music Educators Journal, 91(5), 57.
Hi Mary - what a lovely song you've shared. You are right in pointing out how children learn about their world through play and certain through music. The effect of music begins early - I used to play music to my kids when they were in utero in hopes of introducing them to various styles and periods. As they grew, they sang and played many songs that helped them learn and develop. This song is a great example of teaching a history lesson. Thanks for sharing! - Martha
ReplyDeleteHi, Mary! What a great tune, so full of the the ideals that many of us would identify as definitely Irish. It has not occurred to my thinking until today how many of the tunes I have heard that are Irish share the concept of story-telling. Children learn by play and by doing, but I can imagine children setting out on their own "quest" in their backyard after hearing a tale like this. The imagination of children would make this an epic that they would tell their own children later in life. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteGood post that incorporates the reading. What would be a similar piece in our culture (something slow, historical, but known to children)? Do you know of any Irish songs that would be used for children’s play?
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