Album Notes

A menagerie of period instruments -- violin, viola da gamba, hurdy-gurdy, recorder, vielles, lute, and percussion -- brings to life the colorful, kid-friendly sounds of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and American Colonial eras. Here are songs to sing, dances to dance, and period readings by the singers -- who are elementary-school-age children! Use Merry it is! to enrich your classroom history study or to enjoy at home.

Seattle Historical Arts for Kids was founded by Shulamit Kleinerman in 2005, immersing children aged 5-12 in hands-on experiences of the arts and crafts of the past. The inherent liveliness of these early art forms speaks directly to children’s imaginations and nurtures their curiosity about history.

Merry it is! is designed to bring the music of Seattle Historical Arts to children anywhere, with the guiding idea that no special musical background is necessary for kids to actively embrace this material.