Programme

Although Mike sends a full written confirmation with practical suggestions for organising a Workshop Day visit after a firm booking is made, the following information is intended to be helpful to schools interested in arranging a date.

1. In order to assemble equipment (over 40 Autoharps!) and a large, attractive display of words, pictures and instruments, Mike is always on site by 8.00 a.m. at the latest. You really do get a full day of music.
   
   
2. All Autoharp Workshop Day visits include at least one concert programme, depending on the school's requirements. Small schools often get together to share a day.
   
   
3. All children can be given 'hands-on' experience with an Autoharp, certainly up to a roll of 250 within a single day. 'Hands-on' sessions also prove very popular for children in special schools. These periods add to the children's interest and appreciation of Mike's concert presentation. Depending on numbers and age 'hands-on' workshops last from 25-60 minutes.
   
   Children normally share an instrument so up to 64 children can be accommodated per session. A short demo is followed by a 'Look and DO' touch opportunity in which children can handle, strum, examine and discuss the instrument, with exploratory tasks to perform which are great fun and increase their awareness of the Autoharp.
   
   It is possible to allow some spare Autoharps into classrooms as an extra resource for part of the day if group sizes are not up to their maximum. Your school Autoharp can be checked, cleaned, tumed or repaired whilst Mike is with you.
   
   
4. Mike prefers, when time allows, to have children from Year 5 upwards in single class groups in order to have one instrument each. When possible, older children join Mike in playing along in a finale concert!
   
   
5. Smaller schools often plan longer 'sampler' or 'hands-on' sessions to include time for questions, a look at the Autoharp in relation to the zither, and practical time. Larger schools will often aim the work at designated year or class groups. Schools of exceptional size (say 300+) should consider the possibility of booking two days or even three if workshops and concerts for all are desired.
   
   Many schools will plan separate concert sessions for nursery and reception / top infants / lower juniors / upper juniors, in order to ensure total suitability of the material for their level. Sample plans used by schools Mike has already visited are included in the written confirmation. The material Mike presents gives an ideal platform for follow-up purposes, stimulating practical work, written work and providing new songs teachers enjoy using in the classroom. CD recordings of Mike's music are available.
   
   
6. Mike will be pleased to leave up the display at the end of the day and answer any queries from staff and parents. As a player of the Autoharp for nearly four decades, the 1987 International champion and UK Consultant for Oscar Schmidt International, Mike is in a position to advise anyone considering obtaining an Autoharp for school or private use. However, the main aim is to give a school a special and enjoyable day, and none of Mike's services in respect of the Autoharp are ever mentioned unless the school enquires first.
   
   
7. Autoharp in-service sessions are available for teachers as part of a booked day visit, without extra charge. These can be offered as a lunchtime activity or for an hour after school.
   
   
8. The full written confirmation encourages the school to pre-plan the day, in order to make the fullest use of Mike's presence in your school. Please bear in mind that Mike will work anyway you wish in order to give the school the best possible day.

* Autoharp is the registered trademark of Oscar Schmidt International