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Appalachian Mountain settlers in the 19th and early 20th century had a common love for music and fun, even though work was hard and little was available in the way of entertainment, as we know it today. As religious restrictions sometimes clashed with music and dancing, a tradition of "singing games" or "plays" developed to provide a means for recreation and musical fun, without breaking the rules of socializing. As long as there were no instruments providing the accompaniment and no caller leading the "dances", people could acceptably play these games. The parties themselves were sometimes called "play parties" and although we might recognize the activities as dancing, people considered the movements part of the game or part of the play.
Singing and play party games were enjoyed by people of all ages, who often gathered at the home of a neighbor during a work-swapping event, or just for the activity of the games themselves. The most enthusiastic participants were teen-agers and young adults, as this was the primary means for social interaction with members of the opposite sex.
National Standard #1: Singing alone and with others a varied repertoire of music
National Standard #8: Understanding Music in Relation to Other Arts and Disciplines Outside the Arts
Objectives
- Students will perform Appalachian singing games designed to fulfill the purpose of recreation and relief from work.