This is an endearing story of what youngsters can learn from their elders, the importance of remembering our heritage, and a reminder that friendship knows no age difference.
PASSING THE MUSIC DOWN is based on a true story of the friendship between two musicians - Melvin Wine and Jake Krack. Wine came from a family of music makers - his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all musicians. He lived in West Virginia where he worked in the coal mines for some 37 years. Wine didn't play the fiddle for almost 20 years while his children were growing, but when they were grown he returned to the music he loved - playing in festivals through the 1960s and 1070s as our country saw a revival of interest in traditional folk music.
When just a child of nine years Jake Krack began hearing stories of Wine, and in the summer of 1995 he was prompted by his teacher to go to West Virginia to hear Wine play at the Appalachian Festival. It was there that their friendship began with the boy asking Wine, "Will you teach me all your tunes?.....I want to play like you."
Following that introduction Jake and his parents made trips to West Virginia so the boy could study with Wine. Jake went on to become a musician of note, always remembering that it was now up to him to pass on the music he had learned.
Acclaimed artist Barry Root has illustrated a number of children's books, and he beautifully captures this story in warm illustrations done in watercolor and gouache.
PASSING THE MUSIC DOWN is a touching story reminding us of the importance of remembering our heritage and sharing it with generations to come.
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