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FAQ's

WHAT IS A TYPICAL SESSION ?
The day, (or half  day), starts with an amusing demonstration to all participants. This involves over 40 different instruments and would normally cover the topics you request (up to 6 or 7), as well as vibration, amplification and the techniques used to play the instruments. This lasts approx 45 minutes.  The rest of the time is split into group or class sessions, using not only the instruments, but also finger charts, throat mikes, tuners and so on - and if you’ve requested a costumed visit the clothing can be explained in detail along with other historical anecdotes & stories. The children are encouraged to try all the instruments and no one is left out.  A simple tune can be taught in seconds, even to those who have never played before.  Those with any experience at all can usually cross from one instrument to another. Violin to mandolin, recorder to flageolet etc. with benefits to all, even very small children.  Teachers regularly get involved as well! 

NB. The wind  instruments are cleaned in every class session.

WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU USE & WHY?
These can include:-

Some of the wind instruments.
These are cleaned in every class session  and no 'open reed' instruments are used as they cannot be properly disinfected

Plucked Psaltery

Tibetan singing bell

Chanters

Quennas

Barsini

Percussion doll

Qu’anun

Bagpipes

Bones

Hammer dulcimer

Dragon Horn

Drum Kit

Sansa

Tambourin du Bearne

Mandolin

Fife

Flute

Piccolo

Bodhran

Tabor

Tabor pipe

Spoons

Recorder

Appalachian dulcimer

Bar Dulcimer

Half size Guitar

Didgeridoo

Flageolets

Music Bow

Harmonium

Low Whistle

Sistrum

Rain stick 

Harp (19 string)

Cuatro (10 string)

Singing Bowl

Electric Guitar

Medieval Cymbals

Jaw Harp

Claves

Timbrel

Bamboo pipe

Ocarina

One String Fiddle

How Castanets work!

Over 40 different & fifty in total!
No matter how big your class sizes have to be there are enough for all. These are used to give a good balance between wind, string & percussion, giving an excellent cross section of playing techniques and all the instruments have interesting histories. A full list and details of those used, as well as some follow up work is provided for teachers.

WHAT SORT OF CAPACITY CAN YOU WORK WITH?
In the initial introduction - up to 400. Class or workshop sessions, about 50.
giving the possibility of up to five groups in a morning.  Optimum is probably 2 or 3 groups.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
So far, Tony has demonstrated to over 1 Million children providing a beneficial & economic service. It has become popular as a resource throughout the UK which  reflects not only the educational effectiveness of the visits, but equally important the entertainment factor.  It educates - and it’s FUN. As you know, it is no mean feat to generate excitement and enthusiasm with large groups of children aged from 3-16 and to keep this up through the demonstration and the sessions that follow, yet maintain control - especially at Christmas. A special show is done at this time of year at no extra cost.
Any further questions? Please ring and ask!

Some of the Percussion Instruments used

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