Community Music in Alberta
Some Good Schoolhouse Stuff!

George W. Lyon

About the Book

An album of photographs and musical experiences during the first century of Alberta's history. Explore Alberta's astonishing musical heritage, from brass bands and minstrel shows to Ukrainian folk music and symphonies, from native singers to Wilf Carter.

"Here is an examination of the roots of prairie music that is long overdue . . . music from everywhere on earth, melded and coupled to the vigorous pulse of the Alberta countryside." -- Sid Marty, author of Leaning on the Wind

"George Lyon has done a remarkably thorough job of research and approaches his subject with much affection. This is a book many people will enjoy . . . and is an important addition to prairie history and folklore." -- Sharon Butala, author of Coyote's Morning Cry

About the Author

George W. Lyon has been researching Alberta vernacular culture since 1984. In 1991, he co-edited, with Sid Holt of Gleichen, Alberta, an anthology of Alberta folk and popular poetry, titled A Toast to Baldy Red. Lyon teaches English at Mount Royal College in Calgary and makes music on a variety of instruments. Since 1992, he as been co-editor of The Canadian Folk Music Bulletin.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. One of the first orders of the day
2. Tempting as it may be to assume
3. The voice is the first instrument
4. "Band" invariably meant "brass band"
5. Any account of music must consider dancing
6. Those who provided music for dances were not always paid
7. Some professional musicians from Alberta's past
8. Alberta could not avoid the cultural influence
9. Country music has a presence in Alberta
10. Native people participate in mainstream culture

    Bibliography
    Index

     

Orders

For information on how to order this book, please click here.