Imagine a room in colonial America where family or friends gather. Groups of people talk, laugh, and perhaps sing a song. Someone might have a violin or a flute, and before long, the musicians are playing. the furniture is cleared away and dancing begins. Scenes like this provided welcome entertainment in the American colonial period. Music brought people together. They sang in church. They attended musical theatre performances. They eagerly learned the latest dances. But above all, they sang of their lives, their loves, their hopes and dreams. This CD helps recreate the spirit of music in the American colonies. Consisting of 22 songs, tunes, and primary-source readings, the recording is perfect for listeners who are studying the period. All tunes are performed in a pleasing folk style and focus on the diverse cultures found in the colonies, including English, Scottish, French, Dutch and Spanish. Two interesting primary-source readings relate the African-American and Native-American experiences in colonial America. Classrooms can find a teacher's guide at our Web site. Search "Enslow music." The music is performed on instruments found in the American colonies, from the violin and wooden flute to the hammered dulcimer and glass armonica (invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761).