Educational Programs

Educational Programs

Bring a taste of the midwestern frontier to your school or organization!
Using music as a vehicle to explore the early history of the American Midwest, the musical duo Traveler’s Dream engages students in a fascinating look at their own regional history. Tailored to the age and composition of the audience, these programs are a combination of historical narrative, musical performance, and student interaction. With extensive experience as professional musicians and arts educators, Michael Lewis and Denise Wilson use their skills as singers, storytellers, historians (Denise holds a doctoral degree in American History), and multi-instrumentalists to present programs that are as fun as they are informative. Students enjoy hearing a wide variety of instruments which may include the fife, Irish flute and penny whistle, mandolin, concertina, guitar, jaw harp, bouzouki and historical percussion.

”Denise, I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your visit to our school. Our students were very much engaged and intrigued with the many instruments that you played. You and Michael combined a nice touch of music, history, and student involvement in your presentation. Job well done! Thanks for visiting.”
Mark Mayhew, Assistant Principal
South Newton Elementary School

Program Descriptions

Musical Journey to the Midwestern Frontier
From the rousing choruses of French paddling songs to the stirring sounds of the fife and rope-tensioned drum, students are transported to the colorful period of the French fur-trade period. Students see examples of beaver pelts and other furs, and volunteers step forward and model authentic 18th-century voyageur clothing styles. Then the journey moves forward in time to the early 1800's when settlers from many ethnic backgrounds brought their distinctive cultures and musical traditions to the Midwest. Students are captivated by a vibrant mix of traditional sounds: the uplifting songs of the Ohio river boatmen, Irish jigs and reels, colonial fife tunes, boisterous sea chanteys, and folk songs full of fun and adventure Dressed in period clothing, Michael and Denise fully engage students with their colorful stories and ready humor, their wide array of folk instruments, and by inviting students to be active participants. To end the program student volunteers are asked to be part of a “frontier band” and join Traveler’s Dream in a rousing rendition of a favorite pioneer song.
Click here to see how these programs connect to Indiana Curriculum Standards for grades 1-8.

La Belle Musique Française!
Students learning the French language enjoy this opportunity to hear songs which have remained popular among French-speaking people in France and Quebec for generations. Upon request lyric sheets can be provided to songs like "A la Claire Fontaine" and "Au Près de ma Blonde" so that students can sing along. Students have fun learning the distinctive style of foot percussion ("dancing feet") that is traditionally used in lively French-Canadian traditional songs.

Songs to Uplift, Ignite, and Unite Us
Throughout American history songs have been a powerful tool to unite various groups of people to fight oppression, seek social justice, and work towards a better world. Whether it comes from a single folksinger or rises from the collective voices of people united by common cause, a song has the magical ability to inspire courage, create hope where none exists, and tear down walls of prejudice and misunderstanding.

To learn more or to schedule a program, contact Denise Wilson at denise@travelersdream.net