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Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin

The Brueggen Family Band

Westby, WI, and Cashton, WI

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Celebrating Polka Through Generations

The Brueggen Family Band has been performing Polka for 18 generations. They play German and Czech-style polka music along with a variety of country, big band, swing, and 1950s and 1960s music.

Interview

View transcript:  English TranscriptSpanish Transcript

Three questions…

One

Gary learned polka from family members and at festivals. Now his kids are part of the band. Why is it important to share music across generations?

Two

Where is polka music performed today? How are these places similar to or different from where you experience music?

Three

How do the Brueggens put their own twist on the songs they perform? Does this happen in other musical styles or arts?

Performance

“1-2-3 Polka” – This song is a favorite of the Breuggen family and other bands looking to bring people to the dance floor.

View transcript with lyrics:  English TranscriptSpanish Transcript

Song

“1-2-3 Polka”

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Musicians participating in this project have granted permission to PBS Wisconsin Education for their selected songs to be shared. By using this PBS Wisconsin Education website or any of the resources provided to you through the website, you signify your agreement to our Terms of Use.

“Just seeing the different styles of polka and that it’s so important to our family; it’s in our heritage. I was just like, I want to be a part of that.”
— Matti Brueggen

Project Credits

Producer
Tori Charnetzki

Videography
David Boffa
Tori Charnetzki
Kylie Compe

Editing
Tori Charnetzki
Kylie Compe

Sound
Andrew LaValley
Levi Schlimgen

Additional Audio Support
Kerman Eckes

Captioning
Catie Pfeifer
Rev

Web Design
Charles Barrows

Web Development
John Vieth
Tim Schneider

Digital Content Editor
Mark Riechers

Graphic and Motion Design
Ian Glodich
Amanda Roslansky
Scott Stetson
Katie Campshure

Educator Guide
Arthur Gajewski
Darin Menk
Laurie Fellenz

Additional Educator Support Materials
Mia Forslund
Jen Kobylecky
Darin Menk

Musicians
The Brueggen Family Band

Project Partner
Wisconsin School Music Association

Executive Producer
Ryan Hendricks

Director of Education
Megan Monday

Director of Television
Kathy Bissen

Special Thanks
St. Mary’s Distillery

Funding Provided By

Focus Fund for Education

Friends of PBS Wisconsin

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