Suggested Methods

1. Share some background information on Becky and The Ivanhoe Dutchmen and the tradition of polka dancing in Iowa. It might be helpful to explain that Becky Livermore began playing as a teenager and that she was 26 years old when this tape was recorded. Why is Ms. Livermore’s music a tradition in Iowa?
   
2. Play the “Little Goose Polka” and “Das Kufstein Lied” from the CD. Listen to the two styles of polka and discuss some of the differences that are heard.
   
3. Point out that the two selections from the CD are in Czech and German. Discuss some of the benefits of a group being able to perform a variety of polkas.
   
4. Discuss the tasks Becky might perform as a manager of a musical group—from arranging performance dates and transportation to accounting, from musical direction to serving as band spokesperson. What skills are needed for these tasks?
   

Student Activity

1. If there are at least two people in the class who know the dance steps used in the polka, have them demonstrate these to the class. If not, invite some dancers to the classroom to teach the students, using the recording for music. See the Iowa Folk & Traditional Arts Roster or inquire at a local polka club.
   
2. Locate recordings of other polkas by different groups from Iowa (for example, the Jolly Homebrewers, Czech Plus, the Simanek Family) and report on their style (or styles), and in what language (or languages) they sing.

HIGH SCHOOL ADDITIONS: Not only is Becky Livermore the youngest member of the band, she is also its leader. Have students take on this role and develop a mock annual budget for the band. Try to project as many of their expenses as you can. There are five members of the band. Assume they perform at 70 dances a year, half in the Cedar Rapids area where they live, and half around the state and other places in the Midwest. Teachers may add additional assumptions (they have their own van, each venue provides sound equipment, etc.). About how much would they have to charge per performance to cover their expenses?

Home/Community Connection

Check out the Iowa Folk & Traditional Arts Roster and identify a polka band or band member willing to come into class to demonstrate different styles of polka. Interview, video, and/or record the musician(s).

Student/Senior Citizen Exchange

Seniors might discuss with students the idea of a music group made up primarily of men but led by a woman. Was this something that would have occurred three, four, or five decades ago?

The polka is sometimes regarded as old-fashioned. What are the seniors’ opinions of the polka? Discuss why people may be either proud or ashamed of their cultural traditions and how these attitudes can reflect the vitality of the tradition within the community.

		Photo
		LESSON 3.4
	Becky and The Ivanhoe Dutchmen. What kind of choices about style might Becky normally make in her performances?
				PHOTO BY RICK VARGAS