That's what Kelly & Donna of Still on the Hill convey in their exciting program An Ozark Journey (designed for 7th -12th graders but adaptable for all ages.)

Paying homage to the old while making a new contribution to Ozark culture, Kelly & Donna demonstrate the living, ongoing process of folk music. Rousing renditions of timeless old mountain songs are combined with their own original music that celebrates Ozark history and its many unsung heroes. The origins of the musical instruments they play are explored in this program. The banjo came over from Africa as a gourd instrument and then evolved. The fiddle (actually a violin) migrated from Europe and so did its tunes. Even the Ozark hybrid, the Pickin Bow is demonstrated.

Audiences of all ages experience the relevance between the old and new and the link that binds them both. Our goal in sharing An Ozark Journey is to help students and all people realize the value of cultural awareness and the important role we all play in keeping it alive.


Recommended by:

Lee Scoggins
Newport Schools Cultural Committee

"Still on the Hill performed for our school ... two shows, one for the 6-8th graders and another for 9-12th graders. I sat in on both performances and was very pleased. They did exactly as they were billed to do in the Arts Council Book (that does not always happen) ... a good lively mix of music, interspersed with educational information about the music, its heritage and the instruments. They especially made points with the Senior High group when they played a known rock song using the "Hill" instruments (banjo and fiddle.) I would not hesitate to have this group back to Newport or to recommend them to other schools. It's rare to find a program of this quality for Jr. High and High School students, so I want to thank you."