CRITICAL ACCLAIM

THEY CAME SINGING

Featured

"This book and CD represent a massively researched and well organized collection of sixty-two songs, documenting the history of California from the days before the Spanish explorations, up to the Gold Rush era . . . . .The songs represented tell a fascinating story of the history of California, from the days of the many tribes of native people, to the Spanish "mission era" to the days of cowboys and gold-seekers. There are songs in Spanish. Russian, and Chinese; sea shanties, hymns and funny songs too. The producers' aim is to get teachers and children singing together, rather than simply listening to someone else's recording. That's the beauty of this set, and the reason why I wish every state could produce a project like these folks have undertaken. They Came Singing is an example of how anyone can use our traditional music to educate and inspire." MD

Sing Out! Spring 2004, Vol. 48

“This outstanding collection of 63 traditional songs allows you and your students to relive the musical and social history of our state…Your students will feel the emotion of real people living in a real place, facing real challenges, and celebrating life's pleasures…”

Al Rocca, Social Studies Review, Journal of the California Council for the Social Studies, Spring/Summer, 1997

“This book is a treasure! It provides a wonderfully rich resource for all those who are interested in California's unique and colorful history. It is a very important work because there is nothing else like it on the market.”

Peggy Lawrence, Fourth Grade Teacher

 May have to use text blocks if we want to have the images mixed in with the review boxes. Using a Summary block here won’t allow for images as on the old site. See below.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

THEY CAME SINGING

“This book is a treasure! It provides a wonderfully rich resource for all those who are interested in California's unique and colorful history. It is a very important work because there is nothing else like it on the market.”

■ Peggy Lawrence, Fourth Grade Teacher

DAYS OF GOLD

Working from their initial success with They Came Singing: Songs from California History. . . . Calicanto Associates has scored another big hit. This latest compilation is a diverse collection of songs and chants from the Gold Rush era. Beginning with "Getting to the Gold Fields," the recordings all come with lyrics and short historical explanation. Teachers can select traditional well-known songs such as "Oh California," Sweet Betsy from Pike," and "Buffalo Gals." The really interesting part is titled "A Mix of Cultures" and features song selections of the California Indians, Californios and early Black settlers. Of special interest is "Cuatro Milpas," a Mexican lament retelling how Californios lost their ranchero land. In another section, songs honoring gold seekers from Hawaii, Australia and China - Pacific emigrants, are contrasted with musical selections of French, German and Italian "49ers."

The musical composition and performance on the CD are of an excellent quality. Your students will surely enjoy listening to, or singing, songs from this historically valuable collection - a must for every fourth grade teacher! It is important to remember that one of the most effective methods of developing historical empathy in students is to allow them to do "living history" and of the best way to do this is to let them become "49ers," performing Gold Rush songs.

Teachers will also find Days of Gold an effective tool in teaching appreciation of different cultures. As they listen to the lyrics and grasp the vary rhythms of each song, students can't help but build an understanding of cultural values and traditions.

■ Al Rocca, Social Studies Review, Journal of the California Council of the Social Studies Spring/Summer, 2000, Volume 39 #2

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