Saturday, October 11th, 2008
Search 'harperscraft
Ask Mike
There are certain things that schools frequently ask Mike. Teachers usually want reassurance on certain aspects relating to the suitability of an Autoharp day for their school, whilst children come up with all sorts of posers to test Mike out! On this page Mike answers a selection of both, that will hopefully help satisfy the curiosity of staff and pupils alike. Click on a question to reveal/hide the answer.
Teachers ask .......
Is the concert and hands-on presentation suitable for infants?
Certainly
- a large proportion of my work is infant and first schools. Why not ask a head of an infant school I have visited? If you contact me I can put you in touch with one.
Will you turn up on time?
My policy is to be on site at least one hour before the agreed starting time. On morning or all day visits I always arrive by 8.00am and frequently earlier.
We have a nursery unit in our school - will they be welcome in your audience?
Absolutely - I would never walk into a school and expect anyone to be excluded - music is for all.
Will we receive further information? Do you require any money in advance?
All dates are confirmed in writing with full information to enable the school to be properly prepared. I am not entitled to any money until the date has been fulfilled. A further information card is sent three weeks before the visit. Written confirmation is expected from the school. You can print a sample of my confirmation letter and further details HERE.
Can you really provide 'hands-on' for ALL children in our school?
No problem. I can handle up to 64 children in a practical workshop. If you follow my guidelines and plan accordingly, up to 250 in a day can have up to three sessions with me. Large schools normally book a two-day visit if longer hands-on sessions are required for all children.
What will we experience during the concert?
Schools comment that it is amazing just how much I am able to pack into the time available! Typically you can expect:
- Introduction to the sound - a tune or medley for listening, usually an Irish air, American fiddle tune or classical piece.
- Autoharp for singalong - some favourite chorus songs for children's participation.
- Explanation of origin of harp and Autoharp with display aids.
- Demonstration of the working parts of the Autoharp with children showing the basic playing of a simple tune.
- Demonstration of the pickin' bow.
- Playing of tunes and novelties for the children to identify, with a look at tools and accessories useful to an autoharper.
- Use of the Autoharp to accompany hymn singing.
- The story of how the Autoharp originated.
- 'Stoneman' style of Autoharp, lap style with harmonica, using a popular chorus song.
- The Maybelle Carter upright or 'cuddle' style of playing, using tune or song for audience participation.
- Continuous involvement of the children through questions and participation in the music.
- Inclusion of other instruments where time permits - the most popular inclusions are jawharp (you may know it as 'jew's harp') and five-string banjo (played bluegrass or clawhammer style). Infants love the limberjacks (wooden dancing dolls).
- Finale with chorus songs and a lot of fun!
Children ask .......