Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage

My goals are to teach children and families about the art of traditional fiddle playing and how it has been part of many cultures represented in Minnesota. My goals are to inspire children and adults through literacy, music, and storytelling about the magic of the fiddle and how it builds community and supports culture in community. The 6 programs teach about fiddling through music, storytelling, and movement, and allows children to try a fiddle. I hope to bring this program to the libraries and schools in the area so children in the local area can have direct access to learn about Minnesota's various fiddle cultures and what it means to Minnesota's heritage. Success will be measured by children's engagement and excitement in the program as well as the interest it creates. I was able to do a trial of this program as a volunteer activity at the New Ulm Public library and at the Becker County Historical Museum. The program is geared to keep the attention particularly of young people by engaging them in stories, movement, music and song. My goals will be met by knowing children have new ideas about family, music, tradition and culture as well as seeing them being excited and engaged in the program. I will reflect with schools and libraries about what they thought of the program. An evaluation survey will be distributed after the program soliciting suggestions to improve the program and make it more accessible to the participants.