I'm a fan (and you should be too) because...

I teach 6th grade in the hills of Morehead, Kentucky, but have lived most of my adult life in Florida until recently. I have two sons who are near to your age and one is named Seth! My husband listens to you on Sirius radio and commented on the obvious talent he heard. He has an excellent ear for truly good music. As a language arts teacher, I pay attention to the lyrics of songs. When I saw your recent Austin City Limits appearance (the first time I heard you!), I immediately saw a superior teachable moment for my students. I used your music videos and lyrics to "I and Love and You" and "January Wedding." We analyzed the obvious "writing craft" I saw represented in the lyrics. Two-hundred-and-fifty 6th graders went home last week with those songs in their heads and Googled and Facebooked the Avett Brothers. I hope I didn't lie to them when I suggested that you must have had one fine language arts teacher in school!

We identify and "name" these techniques so they can use them as tools for their own writing.

Artful And- the use "and" to seperate words of importance for effect and deep meaning.

Repetition- repeating words and phrases for effect

Figurative language - the use of similes, metaphors, etc. to paint pictures in the readers' mind and for beautiful description

I also talked about the different genres of music and what they heard reflected in your style.

Needless to say, it was the most well-liked class of the decade. And you now have not only two more fans, but over 500+ new fans! One students said his parents have attended your concerts on more than one occasion. My teaching partner at school is 25 years old and she was thrilled to use this lesson. We try to teach the same concepts and we work together very well. She is also a new fan.

Doing my best to spread the music! That banjo speaks directly to my heart

lassiegirl