Anglo-American Ensemble

The Anglo-American Ensemble (Ethnomusicology 91/161Z, section 3), also known as the Bluegrass and Old-Time String Ensemble, performs traditional music of America, with a focus on American folk music and bluegrass.

	Spring concert, 2008

Bluegrass is a genre of music that is relatively young but has roots in very old traditional music cultures. Bluegrass is an Anglo-American music which was created in the first half of the 20th century and can be traced back to older genres of Celtic, English and Scottish, African-American, and country music.

Unlike mainstream country music, bluegrass relies mostly on acoustic stringed instruments. The fiddle, banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and upright bass are sometimes joined by the resonator guitar (popularly known by the Dobro© brand name). This instrumentation originated in rural black dance bands and was being abandoned by those groups (in favor of blues and jazz ensembles) when picked up by white musicians (van der Merwe 1989, p.62). Instrumental solos are improvised, and can frequently be technically demanding.²

Besides instrumentation, a distinguishing characteristic of bluegrass is vocal harmony featuring two, three, or four parts, often featuring a dissonant or modal sound in the highest voice (see modal frame). This vocal style has been characterized as the "high lonesome sound." The "High Lonesome" sound can be credited to Shape-Note music where a high-pitched harmony, that can generally be characterized as having a nasal timbre, is sung over the main melody. There is also an emphasis on traditional songs, often with sentimental or religious themes.²

Students wishing to participate in this ensemble should already play one of the instruments used in old-time and bluegrass music (see photo), or have some experience singing in old-time, southern hymn, or bluegrass styles. Students should be prepared to bring their own instruments to the evening sessions, as the department does not have these instruments in its collection.

Interested students should contact Anthony Seeger (aseeger@arts.ucla.edu) indicating their interest, then come to the first course meeting.

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