The Boll Weevil

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — Over 100 years ago when the American South had immense cotton fields, a tiny beetlethat feeds on cotton buds and flowers called the boll weevil came into the country fromMexico and Central America. Adult weevils emerge in the cotton fields from early spring through mid-summer. They lay eggs on the cotton bolls. A boll is the seed-bearing capsule on the cotton plant. The eggs hatch in three to five days and feed on the cotton bolls for eight to ten days at which time the larva typically undergoes complete transformation within a protective cocoon or hardened case called a pupa. After five to seven days the weevil emerges and starts laying eggs on new bolls to make the process start over again. The weevils ruined the cotton crops throughout Texas and the American South.The cotton farmers used to sing blues songs about the boll weevil. The tune for the "The Boll Weevil” is a traditional blues song that is also known by similar titles such as “Boweavil” or “Boll Weevil Blues.” Although many songs about the boll weevil were recorded by blues musicians during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, this one has become well known, thanks to Lead Belly’s rendition of it as recorded in 1934 by folklorist Alan Lomax.The song has many verses and many versions. Following is one of the best know verses:Oh, de boll weevil am a little black bug,Come from Mexico, dey say, Come all de way to Texas,Jus’ a-lookin’ foh a place to stay,Jus’ a-lookin’ foh a home,Jus’ a-lookin’ foh a home.Use either the above version or the following version.It may not be politically correct to use the original version:Oh, the boll weevil is a little black bugCome from Mexico, they say,Come all the way to TexasJust looking for a place to stay,Just looking for a home,Just looking for a home. Esteemed string pedagogue, Doris Gazda, presents a new setting for the youngest of students of the classic folk song, The Boll Weevil. Emphasis on the use of long bow strokes will help to improve your budding virtuosos' right arm, and it's fun to play!