Charles Pettee, guitar and mandolin-wielding songwriter from Asheville, NC, loves sharing not only the catchy rhythms of NC Bluegrass and Folk music, but also the segregation-defying stories behind this culturally diverse tapestry of sounds. Transitioning from fronting Chapel Hill, NC’s world-traveling Bluegrass band The Shady Grove Band for over 25 years, Mr. Pettee has become an accomplished teaching artist and music educator whose programs and residencies are in high demand throughout North and South Carolina. In addition to in-person programs, he is excited about using digital platforms to carry his musical message to an even wider audience. Pettee offers several age-adjusted presentations that align with NC Essential Standards for both Music and Social Studies for grades preK-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, as well as adults. He performs at festivals and special events with some of NC’s finest acoustic musicians, including his son, guitar player Jackson Pettee, under the name Slippery Hill. Pettee’s group FolkPsalm performs beautifully arranged settings of Pettee’s original Psalm settings. That group now boasts four full length albums. Pettee has logged over 6,000 performances over the course of his career, and has recently begun work on his 14th CD/album.
charles.pettee@gmail.com
http://www.charlespettee.com/
318 Burris Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Orange
919.623-1438
“Bluegrass Stomp” (A romp through the musical styles from around the world that make up Carolina Bluegrass music), combines Charles Pettee’s experience in over 5,500 performances from all over the US and Europe, with his blazing skills on the mandolin, guitar, banjo and harmonica, to delight students and teachers alike with a whirlwind interactive tour of music from Africa to Europe to our own back yards. Addressing both Music and Social Studies NC Essential Standards for all grade levels, three formats are available, (age groups may be combined if necessary): PreK-2: Children clap and sing along with the oral traditions of the south (songs include “Old Joe Clark,” “Mole in the Ground”, “Lollipop Tree”, “Cripple Creek” and many more); 3-5: Clapping, calling, and responding to the history of our state (songs include “Follow the Drinking Gourd”, “Chicken Train”, “New River Train”, Irish jigs, Blues, and much more); 6-12: US history comes to life with a tapestry of music from the 1800’s, including the Civil War era, with a view to how these music forms laid the foundation for jazz, rock & roll, and hip-hop. “Your presentation was one of the most instructional, entertaining and professional performances we sponsored all year.” (PTSA Cultural Enrichment Committee, East Chapel Hill High School). “What a wonderful way to experience the many cultural influences of our southern heritage!” (Norma McDonald, Principal, N. Duplin Elementary)
Charles Pettee
919-967-1381
charles.pettee@gmail.com
Year-round, on a first-come, first served basis
As desired by the presenter. Allow at least 15 minutes between programs, if offering multiple shows. 90 minutes set up time required before the first program.
10′ by 15′ space, 90″ set-up time prior to first program, Artist brings complete sound system adequate for audience up to 600.
As desired by the presenter.
$500 per program. Inquire about bundling programs for lower fees.
Charles Pettee’s performances and residencies offer music principles and historic facts pertaining to southern folk music that align with the Common Core Standards for Literacy. Elementary grades will find connections with
R9 (specifically RI) where students note differences and similarities between texts, (in this case, various musical styles).
R9 skills (specifically RL – comparing and contrasting themes, characters, styles, etc.) are also demonstrated in Pettee’s presentations, as instrument “voices” are compared, song styles from Europe and Africa are demonstrated/compared, and the story of Bluegrass music, (itself a combination of styles and “characters”), is brought to life.
Similar connections in this regard apply to grades 6-12 as exemplified by Standard R1 (specifically RH – “citing textual evidence”) and R6 (specifically RH – point of view).
Older students also explore the evolution of musical styles in Pettee’s programs, and thus there are connections with Speaking and Learning Standards SL2 and SL3 (analyzing, delineating arguments, interpreting cultural and musical “statements”). Argumentation is not only demonstrated by Pettee; in appropriate venues, lively discussion is encouraged!
From the Arts Education, Music K-8 Standards:
Mr. Pettee’s interactive shows and residencies apply the elements of music and musical techniques to demonstrate how to sing and play southern folk music with accuracy and expression (K-8.ML.1).
His programs also develop understanding of interacting musical elements (styles, instruments, song forms, dances) to encourage the proper response to the performance of southern folk music (K-8.MR.1).
His programs also contribute to understanding global, interdisciplinary and 21st century connections with music (CR.1).
Mr. Pettee’s shows also make a number of important social studies connections with many of the diverse cultures that immigrated to the US, especially to the South in the 1800s. (C.1 & C.2)
4.CR.1.1 Mr Pettee explores how music has affected, and is reflected in, the culture, traditions, and history of North Carolina.
8.C.1.1 Mr. Pettee explores how influences from Africa, Europe, and the Americas impacted North Carolina and the United States (e.g. slavery, the decline of the American Indian populations).
Will attempt to reschedule at no extra charge,if possible. If this cannot be accomplished, then 50% fee is due if cancelled 30 or more days in advance. Cancellation within 30 days of event means full fee is due.