Jan. 21, 7:30 EST – The gospel song, “We Shall Overcome,” is well-known as a protest song, and a federal ruling on Jan. 16, 2018 put this civil rights anthem in the public domain so that anyone can record and perform it freely. We have Pete Seeger to thank for helping popularize the song by singing it at rallies and protests in the 1960’s; however, it began as a work song when slaves in the fields would sing, “I’ll be all right someday.” The Methodist minister, Charles Tindley, published a version of it in 1901 as “I’ll Overcome Someday.” It’s first political use was in 1945 when workers went to strike against the American Tobacco Company. Joan Baez recorded it in 1963, a year after Seeger’s recording, and performed it at the White House in 2010 for President Obama. Today, it is not heard just in the U.S., but also North Korea, Beirut, Tiananmen Square, and in South Africa’s Soweto Township.
The class will offer a 3-part arrangement of the song for mountain dulcimers -- two standards and a bass. The standard melody part will be able to stand alone as a solo. The arrangement is suitable for intermediate players who have a knowledge of the chord-melody style of playing. Use of 3-finger chords and playing in an arpeggiated fashion across the fretboard is required. The tablature will be emailed to participants the day before the class. Participants will receive audio practice recordings that leave out one part in order to make practicing more fun and efficient.
The event will take place online using Zoom, the free video conferencing platform. You will need a computer, iPad or smartphone equipped with a camera and microphone in order to attend the class. After you register, your email receipt will contain the Zoom link for the class. Simply click on that link a little before the appointed time to join the fun!
