I’m one of many musicians/dancers/artists taking part in a “multicultural arts day” at my local elementary school. I’ll be demonstrating ITM with high and low D whistles, and mandolins of regular and octave sizes, as well as song. While I have lots of experience with these instruments, I don’t have any experience with playing for kids at these grade levels.
I’m looking for approaches to the various levels for explaining the origins of the music, and the instruments. I only have 15 minute sessions, and of course, this is not a regular school day setting, so I’m hoping not to lose much attention. But I’d really like to make the most of it for them, and me.
I’m glad you are doing this. Keep the speaking simple and brief; most of the kids will probably be more interested in the instruments than the origins of the music. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t discuss origins, but make sure you do as much playing and singing during your fifteen minute sessions as you can. Be enthusiastic, keep it lively.
I’m with Flywhistler. Very little talk, lots of playing. My kids never tire of hearing the whistle and mando. I don’t necessarily play that great, but they don’t care. They like airs, but they love jigs and reels! Any jig, any reel! They’re also interested in the various sizes (I use high D, Bb, and low D) and the corresponding differences in sound.
