The purpose of this project is to research folk songs typically taught in music classrooms. During the summer of 2019, there was an explosion of Facebook posts with strong concerns regarding the history of folk songs used to teach music classes, specifically including children’s songs and rhymes. Hence, the purpose of this project is to research the set of folk songs used in our general music methods course to determine the history of each folk song to ensure the songs used are culturally responsive rather than reinforcing negative historical context and heteronormative context. A team of undergraduate students conducts the research for these folk songs with guidance from Dr. Dunbar. The students are then able to experience folk music research and the importance of investigating the context of folk songs. Any questions or requests for additional information should be directed to Dr. Dunbar.
Support for the project came from Student Blugold Commitment Differential Tuition funds through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Student/Faculty Research Collaboration program.
Research team in Spring 2020: Rachel Balistrieri, Matt Gehrman, and Danny McDonnell
Research team in 2020-2021 Academic Year: Danny McDonnell, Abbey Monreal, Grant Singer