PACERS: Celebrating Appalachian Communities
Throughout Appalachia there are examples of celebrations and festivals that have positive financial outcomes and improved community resilience and well-being. With generous assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission, PACERS will build upon and expand this tradition by holding in Section (Jackson County) and Camp Hill (Tallapoosa County) comprehensive multi-day workshops that will develop replicable models for community festivals/celebrations while jointly training young people and community members to document their communities through the arts: including music, photography, videography, and graphic design. Workshops will also include sessions on festival/celebration publicity and organizational requirements. Workshops—beginning in August, 2011—will be two to three day events and will set the foundation for a local celebration. They will be preceded and followed by school-based opportunities for students to undertake community documentation and celebration projects (e.g. photo essays, music or video CD's). Students and PACERS chapter will be provided with appropriate technology with professional support for its application.
Workshop leaders will include Dr. Jay Lamar, Director of the Center for Arts and Humanities (as well as other professionals associated with the center); Larry Long, creator of Elders Wisdom Childrens Song; Andrew Goetz, nationally recognized photographer (www.goetzphoto.com); Fred Fluker, graphic designer, and Dr. Jennifer Adams, Director of the Journalism Program Auburn University. Local teachers, musicians, and other community members will also participate in the workshops and in school settings.
Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song™
Music-Film Documentaries Spotlight EWCS Elders
In 2011, Community Celebration of Place and filmmaker David McDonald teamed up to produce two music-film documentaries about EWCS Elders Gyatsho Tshering and Helen Tsuchiya. "Tibet" and "Be Kind to All That Live" feature each elder's honor song, photographs and interviews surrounding their stories. Both songs are featured on Executive Director Larry Long's album, Don't Stand Still.
In the Spotlight
Featured Partners of EWCS
EWCS South Dakota works with elementary schools in the communities of Custer and Spearfish. Every year they work with students to honor elders in their communities.
The most recent celebration in Custer honored four local elders. You can hear the songs and learn more about the elders here.
The Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song™ curriculum is used in schools throughout the United States.
Recent Testimonials
There is little to no chance that you remember me, as I was all of 9 years old when we met (I was the rowdy kid who played the piano). That year marked the inaugural year of EWCS in Spearfish, and you worked with my 4th grade class to pen a song in tribute to an effervescent and unforgettable Ms. Louise Smock. Now twelve years afterward, I remember that experience as one of incredible joy and significance, not only for the kids involved but for the entire community.
Max
EWCS Alumnus, Spearfish, SD
Centerstage on KAXE
Larry Long will be featured this evening at 6 PM on ‘Centerstage Minnesota’, KAXE, Grand Rapids. The program that will include an interview with Larry and music from his just released CD, Don’t Stand Still. It will also air Saturday at noon.
This segment will also be posted on the KAXE.org webpage.
Now Available
Executive Director Larry Long has released his latest album, Don't Stand Still, which has several songs created through the EWCS program, including Tibet, Be Kind to All That Live and Butterflies Dancing. The CD is now available for sale on Larry Long's website, and all proceeds go directly to help support Community Celebration of Place and EWCS. More info...
Teacher Resources
We've compiled all the songs and stories from the celebrations for the 2006-2007 school year into two songbooks, and are excited to offer them free to download from our site:
In the News
Birchview Elementary School will host a community celebration honoring four elders in the school gymnasium on Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sanford Middle School Presents Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song with Smithsonian Folkways Recording Artist, Larry Long.
