Monday Inspiration #32: Child Song pt. 1

About a week and a half ago I popped into Goodwill on my way to work. I didn't have to be in until later, so I figured it would be as good a time as any to stop by. It was actually a fairly successful trip and I walked away $20 poorer. On that trip I found these three vintage music books for $5 a piece, which I thought was a little much, but upon opening the first page of each I was sold. I love vintage music books anyway, but these were filled with the most charming drawings ever! There is one book each from the 40's, 50's, and 60's all geared towards school aged children and teenagers. And awesomely, yesterday I found a second book in the series of the one from the 50's! They are absolutely perfect. I'll be showing you them for the next four weeks starting with the oldest.

Of course I love the pictures and all the cute dresses, but the actual contents of the books are amazing! The oldest one, geared towards High School Students (they're all actually textbooks) has quizzes for each section that most beginning college music students couldn't pass. Alot of them are questions about "contemporary" composers, musicians, and compositions. The level of musicianship that High School students were required to have is pretty impressive by today's standards. All the books contain a treasure trove of forgotten songs. Many of them are old American Folk songs, but also quite a few traditional songs from other countries. I was so excited to see these! At one time I considered studying Ethnomusicology (world music), and I collect vintage world music books. These books are like candy to me!

Is there and old song you love that no one sings anymore?

Mine is Gartan Mother's Lullaby.

(Listen here. Yes, this is sadly the best video on youtube.)
What is inspiring you today?