I suspect that it can be fairly said of any culture that there are some traditions that are better left to die a natural death. Mob rule and lynchings in the American south come to mind. Those things grew out of elements of English culture and classism brought over early on.

There were very many good things similary brought over. With particular regard to music, it's my understanding that very old English songs and tunes form a major element of what we think of as "traditional Apalachian music". The Irish revival of traditionl instrumental and vocal music might be a useful "case study" for those like Mrs. Duck who are concerned about English musical traditions. Most of the credit should probably go to the folks who created Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann 50 years ago. The system of concerts and competitions they started provided a focal point and great motivation for youngsters. Some folks argue that the competitive aspect has gone a bit too far at the moment, but it's hard to argue with success. Then I would look to the Chieftains and the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, who popularised it in the market place. Several other groups followed, exposing almost every genre of Irish musical traditions to world audiences.

British groups have had huge success in the world market as well, but they haven't done it with traditional English music. John Lennon was being very accurate when he said the beatles were more popular than god.

English medieval traditions seem to be thriving in many areas of the US. The wide-spread "Madrigal Dinners" phenomenon on college campuses both large and small is one manifestation. The Society for Creative Anachronism is another, which involves far greater numbers of people.

The process of urbanization is probably the biggest threat to things traditional, in every culture. I've rambled a bit here, so I'll close with the observation that the product is no doubt there, out in the rural areas, but an organized effort to expose more people to it seems not to be there.