Appalachian Music Class Offered at Concord

Professor Jusiel has enjoyed Appalachian music for twenty-five years.
Photo courtesy of concord.edu

For anyone is interested in participating and learning how to join the Appalachian Ensemble, Margaret Jusiel, Adjunct Professor of Music, gives us personal insight on what it takes. “The Appalachian Ensemble is a one credit-hour class. It does not fulfill any requirements for any major unless there are non-specified elective credits needed,” Jusiel states. 

    Appalachian music is a big part of our culture here in West Virginia, and that is when Jusiel says her interest in this type of music began. “I became interested in Appalachian music as soon as I moved to this region in 1991. Before then, my background had been in Irish folk music, and since the Irish had such a strong influence on Appalachian music, I fit right in. Since then, I have enjoyed expanding my repertoire to include Appalachian tunes from Canada, Scotland, France, and England. Another aspect of Appalachian music is the syncopation introduced by African slaves, not to mention the banjo. It is great fun learning the results of the mingling of these cultures.”

    This class does not have many requirements, which is great for students wanting to sign-up. “The requirements to add the class are a simple audition. This audition is ONLY to make sure you either already have basic performance skills, or a strong enough aptitude to join in eventually,” says Jusiel.  And don’t worry, if you cannot read music, you are still eligible to participate and learn how to play. “Reading music or tablature is not required, but both can be made available at times. For this first semester, I’ve limited it to those who can play a stringed or wind instrument. Next semester, I’ll open it up to anyone interested in shaped note (Sacred Harp) singing,” Jusiel says.

    A great bonus of the class is that it’s not a huge time commitment. “We meet once a week. This semester, we’re meeting on Wednesdays at 4:15, but that can change every semester depending on students’ schedules,” says Jusiel. Not only is this a fun class with few requirements to be able to participate, there are also great benefits for students who decide to take the class. “Students can learn Appalachian folk tunes and have a music ensemble experience.  We are tentatively scheduled to perform in Subway [Sides] on November 15th, and plan to perform in other venues next semester, including Tamarac,” says Jusiel. 

    With Appalachian lineage being prevalent throughout our state, this class has the opportunity for students to really connect with West Virginia’s cultural roots. It’s also a great learning experience for those who are not from here and would like to participate.