This popular 3-5 day classroom residency program for grades 2-5 offers up to five virtual or in-class sessions/day, plus an optional assembly show, during which students will experience first-hand the multi-cultural tapestry of southern music styles including Classical, Latino, Blues, Celtic, Folk, and Gospel that combine to give us Bluegrass music! Each day the students will enjoy hearing, and singing along with, a different “focus” instrument, learning how it works, and where it originated (guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, voice). They also will learn how to write and perform their own folk song, with the option to present this to the entire school at the closing assembly! Students gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures represented in southern music, and a deeper sense of how music and culture combine to make new art forms.

Both in-person and virtual (live and pre-recorded) options are available for this program.

Artist Background

Raised in Asheville, NC, Charles Pettee, delights old & young alike with his tasty blend of original and traditional Southern string music seasoned at more than 5,500 performances throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. A founding member of both the world-traveling Shady Grove Band and FolkPsalm, he has recently completed his thirteenth full length CD/album. Mr. Pettee’s original songs receive airplay worldwide through radio and digital transmissions. His love of southern string music is infectious, and his ability to connect with young people is well-established, making him a sought-after performer in educational settings for over twenty years. Mr. Pettee serves NC schools through the NC Arts Council, United Arts Council, and many others.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Workshop/Residency
• Discipline: Music
• Grade Level: Elementary
• Cultural Context: African-American, European, Hispanic, North Carolina
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County
• Virtual option available