New England archives from the decades following Independence reveal an efflorescence of musical activity. As the so-called singing school movement (begun decades earlier) gained momentum in the 1770s and 80s, local populations across the region involved themselves in composition, music printing, instrument building, and, above all, singing and playing music together in community gatherings of all sorts.

Viols in Olde New England will share some of the myriad stories about the makers and players of the homespun stringed instruments the locals called "viols" that have emerged in my recent research on music in Colonial and Early Republic America. Come join Loren Ludwig as we celebrate 250 years of music making in the United States!

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