Fifth grade students introduced to Arkansas' folk culture, traditions

GRAVETTE — Fifth grade students at Gravette Upper Elementary School were introduced to customs, celebrations and traditions of Arkansas during presentations by members of the wellknown entertainment group “Still on the Hill.”

The program is part of an Arkansas Arts Council Arts in Education Mini-Grant. The presentations Monday were by Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna. The program provided the students with “elements of culture in a community, state and nation, through oral and musical presentations.”

During the programs which began Monday and will continue through Nov. 29, “All fifth grade students (will be) focusing on historical and interdisciplinary aspects of Arkansas.”

It was stressed, “We believe and hope all students will understand and appreciate the cultural roots of Arkansas folk music as a style, a working knowledge of musical instruments and the evolving nature of social and political culture and musical style.”