Broadside Ballads

Abstract

This article highlights a group ballad project which is a part of student experiences in Sing and Shout!, a course that integrates academic study with singing and song writing to develop a deeper understanding of problems in society. Students explore the intricacies of song composition and social consciousness drawn from past events that reflect the effects of cultural, political, technological, and natural change. And, by extension, they continue the folk tradition by reliving their own stories in the ballads they create. A brief history of the ballad, sequence of instruction, and resources are included so that others can use the ballad-writing experience as a means for students to understand the value of collaboration to achieve artistic goals, the role of music as an expression of social consciousness, and the power of song as voices join together with a common purpose.