CRAFT IN AMERICA, the Peabody Award-winning documentary series, is an inspirational journey to the artists, objects, techniques and origins of American craft. MUSIC features fine handmade instruments and the world-renowned artists who play them, demonstrating the perfect blend of form and function.
In Hawaii, four generations of the Kamaka family have devoted their lives to making ukuleles. Discover the careful construction, assembly, tuning and playing of this special instrument.
Trumpets made by David Monette in Portland, Oregon are considered the gold standard by award winning musicians. Count Basie Orchestra Director Scotty Barnhart demonstrates the unique qualities of the Monette trumpet.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to Geoff Stelling and his team, who turn out the finest bluegrass banjos. Witness the layering of metal and wood that gives Stelling banjos their unique sound.
Acclaimed musician Rhiannon Giddens performs minstrel music with her fretless banjo made by Jim Hartel, which evolved from African instruments brought to this country by slaves.
At Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra timpanist Joseph Pereira stretches calfskin drumheads and uses custom mallets handmade by mallet maker Jason Ginter. Pereira then performs with the orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.
The Custom Shop at Martin Guitar is the place to see how guitars are built. Joan Baez plays her Martin guitar and explains its role in her 50 years of music and activism.
Producer: Patricia Bischetti, Rosey Guthrie
Executive Producer: Carol Sauvion
Production Company: Craft in America, Inc
Production Year: 2015
Copyright Year: 2015
Rating: TV-PG
Number of Discs: 1
Length: 55 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
DVI: N
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen
VIDEO USAGE RIGHTS
Why the AV version? Because it provides additional usage options for PBS videos. AV versions come with limited performance rights so they can be shown in classrooms, at PTA meetings, during after school programs, and transmitted on a closed-circuit system within a building or on a single campus. They also can be enjoyed in admission-free public screenings, which also makes them ideal for use by library patrons and businesses involved in community clubs and organizations.