26 School Programs in Ten Days!

[Songs of the Civil War-Bob Welch]

As the Education Program Chairman of the Dubuque Arts Council I recently had the pleasure of observing performances by Bob Welch. Bob was hired by the Arts Council as an Artist in Residence for the Dubuque area schools. He performed 26 times during a two week period. The reactions of the student audiences and the written evaluations from teachers and administrators were all very positive. I also was privileged to watch Bob entertain and educate an adult audience. It too, was well received with glowing comments.

Bobs subject was Songs of the Civil War/Lincoln & Liberty Too. He kept the students engaged and interested using music, history, storytelling and humor. Bob Welch has a wealth of knowledge of the Civil War including the music that was composed and performed during that era. Bob uses instruments of the period, banjo and guitar, in his performances and gives the audience the history of these instruments. Bob has a story about each of the songs he performs and the stories and music alike are fun to listen to. In addition to the period music, instruments and history, Bob dresses in clothing that would have been worn during the Civil War era.

Since 2009 is the bicentennial of Abraham Lincolns birth, the addition of specific Lincoln stories and interesting information was a bonus for the student and adult audiences.

I am pleased to recommend Bob Welch for your event. I guarantee that his performance(s) will be both entertaining and educational.

--Dennis Williams-Education Program Chair-Dubuque Arts Council 2009