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"Allons Louisiane, Show me how to two step": � �Exploring Cajun and Creole Music in the Modern Band Classroom

Kylie Griffin, PhD Student

Dr. David Dockan, Asst. Professor of Music Education

The personal viewpoints expressed in this session are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or views of Music Will.

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Let’s Get Started!

Grab an instrument and join in!

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Guitar:

Keyboard:

Ukulele:

Bass:

Drums:

Mon Beau

by Les Poisson Rouge

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MusicWill’s Approach to

  • Do-before-explain
  • Scaffolding
  • Approximation
  • Replication 🡪 Creation
  • Co-created Space

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Modern Band

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Music of Louisiana

Louisiana has a rich and diverse musical culture shaped by its history and cultural heritage.

The state features a variety of musical genres, including Cajun, Creole, Jazz, and Zydeco, each with distinct characteristics and traditions.

Louisiana’s vibrant festival culture (e.g., Mardi Gras) enhances its strong musical presence.

Investigating music participation in Louisiana might offer insights into how cultural context influences adult music-making.

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In a survey of adult music makers in Louisiana, a majority were participating in some form of cultural music making (Dockan, 2025).

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Cajun/Creole/Zydeco

  • Differences between the three.
    • Creole: more blues, modal, and swung.
    • Cajun: more country western.
  • This is important topic because of the cultural erasure of French Louisiana. There was an effort Americanize French Louisiana, there was a forced assimilation which included a ban of French language in 1921.

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Zydeco Stomp

Hey everybody do the zydeco stomp

C’mon everybody do the zydeco stomp

Hey everybody get on the floor

When the band starts playing you gonna yell for more!

Clap your hands, Stomp your feet,

Get on down, to the zydeco beat

Hey everybody do the zydeco stomp

C’mon everybody do the zydeco stomp

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Washboard/Rubboard/Scrubboard/Frottoir

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Cliffton and Cleveland Chenier

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Zydeco Stomp

Hey everybody do the zydeco stomp

C’mon everybody do the zydeco stomp

Hey everybody get on the floor

When the band starts playing you gonna yell for more!

Clap your hands, Stomp your feet,

Get on down, to the zydeco beat

Hey everybody do the zydeco stomp

C’mon everybody do the zydeco stomp

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MusicWill’s Approach to Modern Band

  • Do-before-explain
  • Scaffolding
  • Approximation
  • Replication 🡪 Creation
  • Co-created Space

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Eunice Waltz

Hé, bébé, t’après me quitter chère

Après me quitter pour t’en aller a Grand Eunice

Hé, quoi faire toi t’est comme ça bébé

Tu (re)viens pas à la maison pour (re)joindre ton beb�

Hé, bébé, oublie-moi pas, chère,

Et les misères toi t’après me faire avec moi.

Hé, bébé, un jour à venir, catin,

Tu voudras t’en revenir avec moi.

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MusicWill’s Approach to Modern Band

  • Do-before-explain
  • Scaffolding
  • Approximation
  • Replication 🡪 Creation
  • Co-created Space

​

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Coulée Rodair

C’est un’p t-beb a taunt Jolene était au lit malade

Ça préparé dimanche après-midi

Pour aller voir ça prétendu

Il a tomber dans la coulée rodair

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Ohhh mais ça ça’m fait du mal

t-beb a taunt Joilene était au lit malade

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Conray Fontenot

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MusicWill’s Approach to Modern Band

  • Do-before-explain
  • Scaffolding
  • Approximation
  • Replication 🡪 Creation
  • Co-created Space

​

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Laissez les bon temps rouler!

The personal viewpoints expressed in this session are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or views of Music Will.

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Music Will will make all presentations available after the conference.

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Please be sure to fill out your session evaluation form in the event app.

The personal viewpoints expressed in this session are solely those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or views of Music Will.