Mountain Music Comes to the Lowcountry

Mary Alice Satterfield

Clapping hands, tapping toes, smiling faces, and do-si-dos: all come together when Jeff Robbins is in the house doing what he loves best—playing mountain music. He has an engaging way and relates easily to children of all ages.

His knowledge of Mountain Music and the instrumentation it uses is broad—he has just the right accompaniment for each song. He brings a number of instruments to have available for performances. Guitar, banjos, fiddle, dulcimer, and mandolin are all on stage—each cradled in an instrument stand—ready and waiting to be used. Jeff plays all of them very well. On certain songs he uses a jaw harp which adds a signature twang to the mountain sound.

All of these elements were present on Tuesday, February 15, when students and teachers gathered in Trident Academy’s Multi-Purpose Room. The stage lights were reflected in the shiny woods used in the making of instruments Jeff was to play. Excited anticipation filled the room. We were ready for a good time.

The show began with energy that was sustained throughout the entire performance. Jeff’s enthusiasm was contagious! As hands kept time to music, All of us could not help but sing along. Happy responses were displayed by our applause and big smiles. One song kept us singing and laughing as we tried to make the correct motions for “Honk! Honk! Rattle, Rattle, Rattle, Crash! Beep! Beep!” Another favorite was “Sit Down Square Dance” during which Jeff “called” the motions to be made. The fact that the all of us remained in our seats did not mean that the movements we made were passive. It was fun!

Before and after the performance, Jeff and his wife Marci, presented workshops for the students. Each boy and girl made a “One String Pork-N-Bean Guitar” from a tin can brought from home that became attached to a piece of wood 2½ X15-20 inches. A guitar string, a nail, and an eye screw were used to finish the transformation into a bona fide, playable instrument. It is probably a sure thing that the guitars made that day will last a good while. Just seeing one sitting on a shelf will serve as a great way to call to mind a wonderful afternoon singing and playing with Jeff Robbins--one of the best mountain music ambassadors there is. What a treat!

                                                                                     

                                                                                    Mary Alice Satterfield