Writing/Essay/Journal
The American Swedish Institute’s (ASI) Spelmanslag represents a living tradition that started hundreds of years ago in Sweden. The melodies were made by women as they sang to their cattle in the summer pastures, by miners and loggers as they marched to and from their work, and by countless common people who enjoyed singing and dancing with family and friends. The music and rhythms lifted their spirits as they experienced joys and sorrows together.

Do a short research project on the traditional music of your own or another culture. What types of people originally sang the music? When and where did it begin? How has it changed over time?