Clayton Avenue Elementary fourth- and fifth-graders hosted Tioga Hills students for a presentation about life on the Erie Canal by David Ruch on May 21, 2019. With his guitar, banjo, jaw harp, bones, spoons and more, Mr. Ruch led students on a fun-filled musical journey into our history. Students became active participants in their own learning as they sang along, responded to questions and even learned how to play the bones!
Topics included important dates and facts about the construction of the Erie Canal, how it was used, its connection to the growth of New York City, as well as what life was like on a canal boat. The improvisation of everyday items into musical instruments was a highlight of his program. Students sang along with him during a song he played on his banjo, and listened as he played "Yankee Doodle" on a jaw harp.