A number of IBMA sponsored teacher workshops are scheduled for the middle of February, designed to familiarize classroom teachers, school administrators, home school parents and education students with bluegrass music – and how they might incorporate it in their own classrooms. The first will be held in Denver, CO in conjunction with the Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival on February 18, and the other is one we mentioned earlier, held February 19 in Boston, MA as a part of the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival.

In both cases, the five hour workshop itself is free, and registration also includes a one day pass to the host festival in either Denver or Boston. The workshop itself, Utilizing American Roots Music”?Bluegrass in the Classroom, will cover the history of bluegrass music, an overview of the instruments used, and the vocal harmony of the style. Live performances by youth bluegrass bands will also occur and sample lesson plans, handouts, and resources for further research will be provided. The workshop class will also view the Discover Bluegrass DVD, developed and produced by IBMA to help introduce the music to new audiences.

Both music and classroom teachers are encouraged to attend, elementary or secondary. Attendance certificates will be given for active educators, recognized by most states and school boards for professional development credits. Class size is limited in both cases, and advance registration is required.

The Boston workshop is coordinated with Boston Bluegrass Union, and the Denver event by the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society. Find registration details on either or their web sites.

There are similar teacher workshops slated for later this year, including Hattiesburg, MS on April 8, Georgetown, KY on June 8, Kendallville, IN on September 2, and during the IBMA World Of Bluegrass convention in Nashville, TN on September 30. Contact Nancy Cardwell at IBMA for more details, or if you or your bluegrass organization would like to help host a similar event in your area.