A "swung" backbeat feel is evident in this song, so it provides an opportunity to explain the differences between a "swung" and "straight" rhythmic "feel." During the instrumental section, this song breaks into the traditional Appalachian song "Arkansas Traveler," which leads easily into a discussion of the history of Appalachia: the music, instruments, mountains, and the well-known Appalachian Trail. Because many of today's common songs stem from the traditional "Arkansas Traveler," search the Internet for an example of the tradition and play it for children.
A "swung" backbeat feel is evident in this song, so it provides an opportunity to explain the differences between a "swung" and "straight" rhythmic "feel." During the instrumental section, this song breaks into the traditional Appalachian song "Arkansas Traveler," which leads easily into a discussion of the history of Appalachia: the music, instruments, mountains, and the well-known Appalachian Trail. Because many of today's common songs stem from the traditional "Arkansas Traveler," search the Internet for an example of the tradition and play it for children.