news-2-you Volume XV, Advanced Edition 37 n2y.com May 20, 2013 BANJO BOYS Tommy, Jonny, Robbie Mizzone Do you have a favorite kind of music? Maybe you like rock, country or pop music. Have you ever heard of bluegrass music? One young band wants to share their love of bluegrass music. The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys band is made up of the three Mizzone brothers. They live in the western hills of New Jersey. Eleven-year-old Jonny plays the banjo. Robbie, 14, plays the fiddle, also called a violin. The oldest brother is Tommy, 15, who plays the guitar. Stringed instruments like these are often used in bluegrass music. The mandolin, harmonica and accordion are also used. http://www.sleepymanbanjoboys.com/ May 20, 2013 1997-2013 n2y page 1
news page Jonny Mizzone The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys often practiced their music at home in their bedrooms. Jonny started playing the banjo when he was just six years old. The banjo was very heavy for him to hold. He liked to lie on his bed and close his eyes when he practiced. He looked like a sleepy man. That is how the band got its name. The Banjo Boys made videos and put them on YouTube in 2011. Many people watched the videos. People from some popular TV shows saw the videos and asked the Banjo Boys to perform. The band also performs concerts and plays at bluegrass festivals. May 20, 2013 1997-2013 n2y page 2
news page Bluegrass is a kind of country music from Appalachia. Appalachia is a large area in the eastern U.S. The area includes 13 states, including parts of White Water Rafting West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Mountains run through these states. Appalachia is famous for outdoor fun. Some people like to hike on the Appalachian Trail. This trail goes from Georgia in the South to Maine in the North. People also Appalachia is known for it s crafts. enjoy camping and white water rafting in Appalachia. The area is known for its crafts too. Some Appalachian people make and sell furniture, woven rugs, pottery and more. Some also make the beautiful wooden instruments used to play bluegrass music. May 20, 2013 1997-2013 n2y page 3
news page The instruments are very important in bluegrass music. The Banjo Boys do not sing along with their songs. They just take turns playing their instruments, together and separately. They play very well and very fast! The Banjo Boys have made two CDs. Their latest is called The Farthest Horizon. Both of their Robbie plays the fi ddle. CDs have made it to the Top 10 on the bluegrass music chart. Many people like their fun bluegrass music. Watch the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys YouTube videos. Maybe you will like their May 20, 2013 Tommy Mizzone plays the guitar. 1997-2013 n2y bluegrass music too! page 4
review page 1. WHAT is the main idea of this story? The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys are a young band that plays an old kind of music called bluegrass. The Farthest Horizon is the latest CD by the Banjo Boys. The Appalachian Trail goes from Georgia in the South to Maine in the North. 2. CIRCLE True or False about the following statements: The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys band is made up of six men. The band got its name from a book about a sleepy man. Appalachia is a large area in the eastern U.S. True True True False False False 3. ANSWER these questions about the story: Where do the Mizzone brothers live? What instrument does Tommy, the oldest brother, play? Where is bluegrass music from? 4. NUMBER these events in the order they happened. The Mizzone brothers made videos and put them on YouTube in 2011. Tommy, Robbie and Jonny each practiced and learned to play an instrument. The Banjo Boys were asked to perform at concerts and at bluegrass festivals. 5. CIRCLE Fact or Opinion about the following statements: The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys is a good name for the band. Fact Opinion The Banjo Boys do not sing along with their songs. Fact Opinion Everyone will want to buy the Banjo Boys CD, The Farthest Horizon. Fact Opinion May 20, 2013 1997-2013 n2y page 5
think page 1. WHAT bluegrass instrument would you like to play? Why? 2. WHICH Mizzone brother is your favorite? Why? 3. WHAT would you like to do in Appalachia? Why? 4. WHAT kind of band would you like to be in? Why? May 20, 2013 1997-2013 n2y page 6
Index for Photographs Page 1-http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/3/6/1/2/3/2/9/Sleepy-Man-Banjo- Boys-104148604300.jpeg Page 2-http://www.sleepymanbanjoboys.com/sleepy-man-banjo-boys-photos-andgallery/?nggpage=4 Page 3-http://listings.mainetourism.com/assets/listingImages/3729.jpg Page 3-http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/sites/default/files/images/Heritage%20Photos/Craft%20Potter/200%20x%20200.JPG Page 4-http://www.sleepymanbanjoboys.com/sleepy-man-banjo-boys-photos-andgallery/?nggpage=2 Page 4-http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/61107_477745255593668_709115079 _n.jpg May 20, 2013 1997-2013 n2y page 7