Cornstalk Fiddle and a Shoestring Bow

Description

Voice 1, Voice 2, Piano, Kazoo — The cornstalk fiddle is an American folk music instrument that predates the American Civil War. The fiddle is made by cutting slits into the cornstalk to fashion the strings. Next, a small piece of wood is slid under the strings to serve as a bridge. The fiddle can be played with a regular violin/fiddle bow, or one fashioned from another cornstalk, or even a shoestring.The cornstalk fiddle is referenced in popular folk songs, such as Cotton Eye Joe, and even in the poem The Cornstalk Fiddle by Paul Laurence Dunbar.This arrangement has tried to capture the fun and energy of a hoedown, complete with stomps, pats, and…kazoos?! Well, unless you have some expert cornstalk fiddlers in your midst, kazoos will have to do.The kazoo part (mm. 47-56 and mm. 75-end) may be played by the entire group, or by a soloist/small group.If a soloist/small group is utilized, you can have a few choir members shout out encouragement during the kazoo part, such as:“Oo-ee!”“That shore is some fine playin’!”“Yep, mighty fine!”One recommendation is to use yarn and tape to make “kazoo necklaces” for the choir members.That way, they won’t have to hold (and possibly drop) their kazoos throughout the entire song. Grab a kazoo and have a hoedown good time singing this knee-slappin' American folk song for two-part ensembles. With or without the kazoos, a great time will be had by all in learning and performing this adorable, fun arrangement by Mark Burrows.

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