Music for Fresh Ears
Your source for one-of-a-kind, great music
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Ocarina Project
The ocarina, made out of clay, belongs to the ancient family of musical instruments called "vessel flutes" for their rounded appearance rather than long tubular shape. Made in a variety of shapes and sizes, such round flutes were used for rituals, courtships, celebrations, and for communication over long distances. The Standard Package for this project is two (2) sessions. Additional Sessions are available for composition. Optional Demonstration of global wind instruments. With this class, there is a minimal materials cost. Length of Sessions: 45 minutes. Age Levels: 2nd grade to adult.
Session
1: “Design & Build” After a short
lecture/demonstration on the ocarina, it's history and it's sound, Tom will
demonstrate how to build an ocarina. Using clay, students will design &
build a
playable wind instrument. Each student decides the shape as well as where
to place the finger holes and mouthpiece. Session 2: “Play Ocarinas” After kilning, each student learns to play notes on their own ocarina. They will also learn to play four & five note songs. At this point, the ocarinas can be decorated with paints, magic markers, etc. Optional Session 3+: “Make Music” Students play songs & learn to compose original music. They learn musical modes, melody and harmonic structure. They can then perform this piece in an all-school performance, if desired. This session can be extended to many days, allowing the students to learn about composition & performance. A combination of music, art, sculpture, design and cross-cultural history, this program has something for everyone! Kids throughout PA have been delighted with the instruments they design & build from clay, and then can play. Since 1988, Tom has created thousands of ocarinas with children & special children of all ages. This project works well in schools, summer programs, art museums, and libraries, and has received “excellent” ratings by teachers, early childhood educators, and school administrators. Parents & teachers are welcome to be a part of the creative process, & can participate by building an instrument.  Instructor,
Tom Reese (flute & composition). Tom
brings a special blend of styles to his music, from jazz to rock, popular, folk,
blues & classical. Tom's warm tone lends a beautiful timbre to every
performance. His warm, yet hard-driving flute sound has been heard in many of
the 50 states & in Canada, in cities such as New York City, Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Quebec City, Tulsa & many others. He free-lances in many venues
as a solo artist, musician & educator. In addition to performing with Azure,
Tom lends his talents to MuZette, Susquehanna, Wyndfall & The Reese Project.
An award-winning composer, Tom's compositions are known for their beautiful
melodies, innovative instrumentation & modern harmonies. Susquehanna’s
2001 CD, "Conversations," featuring
many of Tom’s compositions, earned an award for Best Instrumental Album in the
Just Plain Folks 2002 Awards. He composed all of the pieces on
The
Reese Project’s jazz CD "Blue Etude," which
placed in the top 20 of the 2002 Grammies. He is a composer with The Commission
Project in Rochester, NY. He has just finished a film score for director Brett
Walker, & is currently at work on his seventh film score.Short-Term Goals: For the students to learn to play songs on the instrument that they design & build. To create a high-quality wind instrument that will last forever. Building self-esteem through success in designing & creating their own instrument & in composition. Long-Term Goals: To create educated listeners who are excited about music & ceramics. To inspire others in an appreciation of the arts, interest in ceramics & music, and the ability to teach their interest to others, especially their children & their community. Curriculum Links: Music, Music composition, World Cultures Grades: 2nd grade to adult Audience Size: Up to 3 sessions per day; no more than 25 per session Special Requirements: Large table if possible, buckets & access to sinks nearby Available: Year-round Curriculum Guide: Available upon request.
"These visits have immense value for children who are often not exposed to much in the way of the Arts." (3rd grade teacher, Woodward Elementary) "May have prompted some [students] to do more with music than listen." (5th grade teacher, Goshen Elementary) "The children in my class enjoyed this greatly. They played the instruments at breaks and recess, and couldn't wait to go home and play for their parents." (3rd grade teacher, Goshen Elementary) Other Programs Available:
Schools that have participated in the Ocarina Project:
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