David Seay Solo Shows and Workshops
“Connecting to Folk Music”
90 minute interactive workshop available through the
Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau
It has been said that folk music is the “music of the people”.
Join David in this 90 minute session as he provides the folks in your group
with opportunities to have hands-on experience creating and performing
their own original folk song.
One by one David will demonstrate a “traditional” instrument, such as
harmonica, mountain dulcimer, ukulele, and spoons.
Encouraging volunteers to join the fun he’ll introduce simple playing techniques
in the process of forming an impromptu band. The band will play a couple of very easy
traditional American folk songs while the rest of the group is invited to sing along.
Next, David will guide the group in brainstorming and creating a few lines of lyrics
inspired by the group’s locality. A simple melody will be composed with a different
individual volunteering each melodic line of the song. By the end of the session the
group will be performing their own original composition.
Discussion and questions will be encouraged throughout the workshop.
This workshop works best when everyone has a harmonica in their hands.
David can provide harmonicas at a cost of $4.00 per harmonica actually distributed.
The sponsor will receive an invoice for the total amount after the session.
“Train Songs and Tales”
What is it about trains that so easily engages one’s imagination? Climb aboard with David as he shares a variety of railroad inspired songs and stories that offer peeks into the past from a wide variety of points of view. This upbeat excursion is accompanied by guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonicas, whistles, and a sing-along or two.
Songs include “Wabash Cannonball”, “John Henry”, “Wreck of the Old ‘97”, “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie”, “Freight Train”, “Rock Island Line”, and “City of New Orleans”, amongst others. (30-60 minutes)
“The ‘Tradition’ in Traditional Folk Music”
This presentation features demonstrations and stories of folk instruments such as harmonica, pennywhistle, Lakota style flute, ocarina, pan pipes, animal horn, bugle, musical saw, banjo, singing bowl, didgeridoo, and limber toys. The introduction of a new instrument every few minutes keeps this program upbeat and makes it easy to tailor for groups of any age from preschoolers to senior citizens. (30-60 minutes)
“Nebraska Territory Stories”
In this upbeat presentation David performs folk music that existed at the time Nebraska became a state on March 1, 1867. Between tunes he discusses how these songs provide glimpses into history by telling stories of life during the 13 years before Nebraska statehood. This cheerful show works particularly well for family audiences as it has opportunities for volunteers to come up front and participate. Instruments featured are banjo, harmonica, whistles, and mountain dulcimer.
(45-60 minutes)
“Folk Traditions Through Music”
These programs give hands-on experience with the harmonica OR ukulele and teach how music reflects cultural traditions and conveys them from one generation to the next.
(60 minutes)
Within the first few minutes workshop participants will be playing
actual folk songs on their very own harmonicas.
A mini-harmonica workshop may be included in either
“The ‘Tradition’ in Traditional Folk Music” or “Nebraska Territory Stories”.
Quotes...
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. You are the best at what you do... Talk about a room full of happy people.”
...Associate Curator of Education Youth, Family, and Community Programs,
Joslyn Art Museum
after harmonica workshops for "two packed houses" at "Family Day"
“The kids LOVED it, and so did the teachers! A friend of mine, who is retired and has seen many, many assemblies, said that yours was one of the best she has seen. I agree! ”
...Teacher
Dundee Elementary School, Omaha, Nebraska
after a Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau Presentatiion of “The ‘Tradition’ in Traditional Folk Music”
“Excellent! David really interacted well with the audience.”
...Program Director
Lincoln Area Agency on Aging
“The stories and songs make history much more real. Well done!”
...High School-aged audience member
after a Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau Presentatiion of “Train Songs and Tales of the Westward Rails”
“I was impressed with the way you handled students, the patience you exhibited, your humor (even if the kids didn’t always get it), and the simplicity of your instruction. I’ve put you on my “Excellent” list. You’ll get asked again to come here.”
...Principal, Lincoln Elementary School, Hastings, Nebraska
after a Nebraska Arts Council Artists-in-the-Schools/Communities Residency
“David is always an engaging presenter. His humor and knowledge greatly added to the evening’s events. The audience loved his interactive musical instruments that they were allowed to experiment with. Many positive comments were received from the visitors.”
...Ranger, Homestead National Monument of America, near Beatrice, Nebraska
after an October, 2018 Howling Homestead event at the Homestead Heritage Center.
“It was another great week! You are a great fellow, fun companion, and a fantastic musician!”
...Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale
after a week long Statehood Day Celebration tour
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