[ Re: 161106 MMDigest ]

As you know, I bring a lot of my own music programs to local libraries
and even to schools.  If you have adult children who are teachers in
the system, use them as your best resource and introduction.

My most positive experience this year was the Rockville Science Fair
in Rockville, Maryland.  We got our own spot, we had some educational
fliers, but mostly, the children had so many questions -- just the best!

Master Bob and I also play our organ at school fairs and international
days.  Again, we leave plenty of time to really guide the children
through the mechanics of the thing.  They can touch everything, and
(after learning some crowd control) they can line up and everybody gets
a turn at the crank handle.

I've come across two enlightened middle school science teachers who
had their students build crank organs.  One was made of PVC pipe and
the other of transparent Plexiglas so every part could be seen.  All of
the materials were obtained at a local home builder's hardware store.

Local libraries are also good for hosting workshops, especially on
community day.  Teenagers seem to be the most interested and we give
them plenty of hands-on experience.  Everyone gets a chance to examine
the organ and turn the crank.

Christiana Drapkin (a.k.a. Organ Grinder Lola)
http://www.organgrinderlola.com/ 
christianajazz@gmail.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]