Ep. 134: How did music shape the exploration and settling of America's west? The musical story within the Westward Expansion story; with author Laura Dean - MINDY PETERSON, NCTM

By A Mystery Man Writer

“The pioneers carried only the clothes on their backs and the bare necessities in their wagons, yet they experienced a rich musical life in the wilderness… Each group wove their own thread of music into the colorful and diverse musical tapestry of the American West.” So begins Laura Dean’s historical account of the integral role music played in the Westward Expansion. Her new book explores the diplomatic, practical, and inspirational roles music played in connecting culturally diverse people groups including Native Americans, explorers, cowboys, and pioneers. “The pioneers carried only the clothes on their backs and the bare necessities in their wagons, yet they experienced a rich musical life in the wilderness… Each group wove their own thread of music into the colorful and diverse musical tapestry of the American West.” So begins Laura Dean’s historical account of the integral role music played in the Westward Expansion. Her new book explores the diplomatic, practical, and inspirational roles music played in connecting culturally diverse people groups including Native Americans, explorers, cowboys, and pioneers.