The Clarinet BBoard

"Kiddie" music participation/demo

Author: ron b  Date:   2004-06-27 06:41 I tried the search feature and didn't quite find what I'm looking for. I'm sure I've seen a topic, or topics, similar to this but my search yielded only school music program results. Anyway, the situation is: A longtime friend of ours has [loosely] organized a "summer club" which consists of her two grandkids and three of four of their neighbor friends, ages 2 - 6. They have weekly activities scheduled and one of their outings is taking them to a local music store to look at the instruments. They're scheduled for a 'tour' at ten in the morning. I have no idea what the tour consists of. After their music store visit, followed by snacks, she would like to bring her brood over to our house so we can give a short "demonstration". She'd like us to explain in simple terms the elements of music - Melody, Rhythm and Harmony - and perhaps demonstrate the concepts with a children's song or two. My wife plays 'cello and (moderate) piano. I play clarinet, of course, and am able to demonstrate trumpet, fllute, sax and banjo well enough to make it kinda fun for kids. She plans to put together some plastic eggs with sand or beads in them to use as 'shakers' so they can help with the rhythm part. I could let them try the trumpet (and demo how to clean a mouthpiece in the process Now that I think about it a little more, they may be able to out-play me! I'm sure some of you here have done something like this and if you have any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated. We have some basic ideas; for example: demo of what melody, harmony and rhythm is NOT, then showing what it IS - then sing a happy song or two. It looks like fun and we're glad to participate. Anything we can do to encourage kids' involvement in music is very close to our hearts. - rn b - Post Edited (2004-06-27 07:46)

Reply To Message

Re: "Kiddie" music participation/demo

Author: ron b  Date:   2004-06-29 02:52 Thank you, Alex and Pam. I think we'll start with a combination of Shake, Rattle and Hoot My wife's metronome might get their attention for a few seconds... it *B*L*I*N*K*S* - - they'll get the idea of "time"... then Old McDonald's Farm (Melody and Harmony) or Whatever along with pots, pans and wood spoons. Hey, we've got the makins of a Rippin'Roarin'WhoooperUppper Thankfully yours, - ron b -

Reply To Message

Re: "Kiddie" music participation/demo

Author: ron b  Date:   2004-06-30 16:24 The "Cousins Club" kids, a two year old, a four year old and four others between 6 - 8, dropped by yesterday. They went to the music store at ten (a.m.). The store had many customers, so there was no 'tour'. They looked at the instrument displays and got to hit the drums and randomly touch a few other things set out for that purpose. Grandma bought each Cousin a Kazoo. After snacks (whatever), they dropped in for a visit. They were very interested in the 'cello. You can see the strings and bow movement and feel the vibrations as it's played - they loved that. I explained how woodwinds also change pitch by lengthening and shortening. Graphics are a great assist, so the piano had paper placards showing the ranges, Bass, Tenor, Alto, Soprano. Another small 'poster' on the sheet music rack displayed the words Melody, HHaarrmmoonnyy, Rhythm. We talked about Melody and Harmony. When it came to Rhythm - hahaha! - they, even the two year old, got into it immediately. Kazoos and Easter egg shakers and a Quaker Oats box and some miscellaneous stuff made for a fine ensemble. Old MacDonald himself couldn't have done it better... >!!!< Over all, it went very well. The little kids became restless after about ten minutes (pretty good, actually), the older ones didn't want to stop. But, they were tired, Grandma too! They headed for home, bouncy, bubbly and the wee ones a bit whiney. We all benefitted from the experience. - ron b -

Reply To Message

Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here

User Login  User Name:  Password:  Remember my login:

Forgot Your Password? Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.