Family Folk Week at the Hindman Settlement School

	Kayla Rae's Hindman Schedule: 8:00 – Breakfast 9:30 – Group Singing 10:30 – Appalachian Seminar 12:00 – Lunch 1:30 – Meditation 2:45 – Break 3:00 – Shape Note Singing 5:30 – Supper 7:30 – Evening Programs
The Hindman Settlement School at dusk

... The music festival at Appalshop was quite entertaining and interesting, but I felt myself just observing, peering into the world those around me had created with their love for the mountains and passion for the music. At Hindman, in contrast, I feel I will actually take an active role in the Appalachian culture through the classes and activities. I am already overwhelmed by meeting so many of the people we have studied in class and observing them in their true envrionment. It is one thing to see them play in concert in Lexington, but quite another to watch them play with their children and socialize with their friends. In no other course would I be able to become so closely involved in the subject matter. In an art history lecture one can visit the museum to see the actual pieces of art, but one cannot spend time with Picasso and observe his methods as he aplies paint to canvas. The same holds true for any literature course; one can explore every metaphor and image in a Shakespeare play, but one is unable to ask him why he used a particular line nor can one seek advice from him on how to better one's own writing. With this week in Hindman, I have been given the opportunity to do just that. Looking around the dining hall during dinner tonight, I realized I was surrounded by people we have studied in class, but I also realized that they are not just subject matters, but real people.

Dr. Pen poses with his introductory fiddle class during Family Folk Week

... I think the constant music and singing bring the people closer together, forming a strong communal feeling in which all people actually enjoy the company of each other. Amidst all the cheer and mirth, I have noticed, however, a vein of sorrow that pervades all. With every song that is introduced, a history is given – who originally sang the song and how it was passed along to the current artist. Many times this involves fond memories and smiles, but, more often than not, this includes a rememberance of one who has passed. I have witnessed a statement such as this many times throughout the course of the week. This, in combination ith the obvious aging and failing health of such old-time greats as Jean Ritchie and Lee Sexton, acts as a reminder to the aging of the genre as a whole. It is a music that stems form a by-gone world, from a lifestyle and a people that no longer exist. The legendary musicians are growing older and passing away as time continues to parade by. These depressing moments never last long at Hindman, though. As soon as the words have been spoken, the music begins again and drives away the ghosts who are always hovering near...

—Jillian

The Ritchie family gathers at Hindman to share their songs with the group

Babel's Streams

By Babel's streams we sat and wept,
While Zion we thought on;
Amidst thereof we hung our harps,
The willow trees upon.

With all the power and skill I have
I'll gently touch each string;
If I can reach the charming sound
I'll tune my harp again.

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