Special Thanks

This project could not have happened without the help of several wonderful people who I need to thank.

Jeffery Rhone, who introduced me to the wonderful world of folk ballads and who's passion for folk music inspired me to learn as much as I could on the subject.

Franklin Gallo, who helped me to focus my ideas and regularly gave me support and advice to improve this project and shape it into what it became.

Sister Lorna Zemke, who helped me focus my lesson plans and gave me many good places to look to find these ballads.

Elena Patterson, my loving wife, who made it possible for me to work on this project weekend after weekend and who's constant support helped me stay grounded and sane. She also designed the logo for this webpage.

McKay Elwood, Alandra Blume, Abby Landsteiner, and Janelle Walsh, who provided wonderful recordings for many of the ballads used.

My fellow students from the Silver Lake College and Lakeland University Music Education Masters program, who were always available to answer my random questions and give me constant encouragement, motivation, and inspiration.