A Musical Journey Through History
Craig Newton
Musician / Singer / Songwriter
“Your performance brought to life the history of music and the historical origination of musical instruments.”
Rosann Marlen, Assistant Principle
Lightfoot Elementary, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Craig Newton: Craig has been performing a variety of American music for over a decade. His career has taken him through most of the U.S. and given him the opportunity to play in all kinds of situations. He has toured the Midwest, Northwest and Southwest playing colleges and other venues, and has released two albums of his original songs as well as an instrumental Christmas album. He is currently based in Ventura County.
Description of programs: What’s the connection between country and western music and an Irish jig? Where was the drum invented, and what music resulted from this? What was the 1850’s equivalent of a rock concert?
These are some of the questions that Craig Newton answers or explores in his 45-minute program, as he carries the audience from the roots of American music — English-Irish-Scottish folk songs — to the present day scene of rock, pop, and whatever. To make the music come alive, Craig uses a variety of instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, banjo, flute, tin whistle, harmonica, trombone, and others. Using sing-alongs and fun songs, Craig lets the audience experience the different styles of music that make up “American Music”.
Historical Journey Through American’s Music: Takes the students very quickly through the history of America by using songs popular at the various periods of history. It is a sampler type of program, with a great variety of styles and musical instruments. I provide a copy of lyrics to some of the songs that lend themselves to sing-alongs.
American Heroes: Reviews some of the songs that have been popular throughout America’s history that deal with historical figures or types of figures. This program is designed to stimulate thought about what is a hero here in America, along with the historical events surrounding some of these songs. A wide variety of styles and instruments are presented to give the students as much exposure to different aspects of music as possible. I provide a copy of lyrics to some of the songs that lend themselves to sing-alongs.
America’s Multicultural Music: An overview of the diversity of America’s music. Using his extraordinary talents as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and storyteller, Craig serves up a smorgasbord of music. The focus here is on the country, region, or ethnic group that originated the instruments of songs that are performed. Drums from Africa, the “goose egg” from China, the Penny Whistle from Great Britain, the tambourine from the Middle East… the list goes on. The audience is invited to join in and participate, and is given an idea of the rich heritage of music in America.
How The West Was Sung : Takes the audience from approximately 1850 to the present. The songs are used to represent the different groups of people that moved west and finished filling in our country. These groups include miners, settlers, railroad workers, cowboys, outlaws, Indians, and more. I include the lyrics to some of the songs that work particularly well as sing alongs.
Grades: preK-8
Instructional Materials Available: Yes
Other: Family Fun Nights • Workshops • Online Music Classes (K-6)
CONTACT:
A Musical Journey Through History
Craig Newton
1409 Kuehner Dr. #164 • Simi Valley, CA 93063
Cell: (951) 453-3198
E-mail: newtones1@aol.com
Web site: www.craignewton.com