Lesson 1 - Get to Know
the Songbook
The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Sounds From the River. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
Sounds From the River is an interactive, immersive educational concert providing live performances tracing the migration, history, and cultural sounds of stories traveling along the Ohio River to the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Before Reading Questions:
Have you heard of, or listened to, a type of music called jazz?
Can you find the continent of Africa on a map?
The United States of America is a part of what continent?
Why do people make music? Do you like to make music?
Have you heard of slavery? How would you describe slavery to someone?
How can music make someone feel better?
Have you ever worked with a songbook before?
What does the word immigrant mean?
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren). Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading/singing, review the stories and their details by asking more questions with your child/children.
Post Reading Questions:
Have you ever heard of any of the songs before?
How did the sounds of Africa come to the United States?
Name some of the instruments you saw and heard at the concert.
What does the word sacred mean?
What does the word indigenous mean? What people are indigenous to this country?
What different kinds of music does the songbook introduce?
How do you think music helped enslaved African Americans?
Can you think of other Call and Response songs?
What does the term Folk Music mean to you?
How would you describe Jazz Music?