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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
 Posted - 02/28/2006 : 07:48:16 AM
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I was at a kanikapila last weekend and a suggestion was made that the local Children's Hospital would love to have musicians come in and perform for thier young patients. Another comment I heard was that performing slack key in a "coffee house" is difficult because the music rarely penetrates the "noise floor". A wise friend of mine told me to practice so you can play for others to enjoy.
I have two questions.
Has anyone performed slack key for children? 
If so, how was it received, what would you do to make it appeal to children. 
I think the sounds of slack key are ideally suited to comfort people that listen to it. I was thinking that the "history of slack key" approach to a performance would not work that well for children. My idea was to structure the performance more in the type of sounds that can draw mental pictures. Ozzie Kotani's "Paka Ua" really does sound like rain. Led Ka'apana's "Slack Key Medley" sounds like a horse galloping. And many others too numerous to list. Help?
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E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2006 : 09:09:41 AM
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Hey Mike,
I am not sure how old the keikis are. I got roped in to being the entertainment for my friend's party of 2 and 3 year olds. For that age group, it was all about involvement.
Hokey Pokey, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Row Row Your Boat, This Old Man, The Wheels on the Bus...
I was pleasantly surprised how involved the 2 year olds were. And it was fun because if you stop singing, the kids and parents just keep going. Of course, as they started to lose interest, I announced, "It's time for cake!
For slightly older keikis, I think you're on to something. It would be good to include some kids' standards which usually fit slack key tunings really easily. Straight instrumentals, one after another, are tough to keep interesting even among adults. |
Andy |
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Pua Kai
Ha`aha`a
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2006 : 12:35:34 PM
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Aloha e Mike!
I meant to talk to you Saturday about Kiwini's experience. His mom has cancer and has gone through a lot of chemo. When he takes her for the treatments, he plays for her. Soon, when they'd see him coming, they'd turn off the local sound system so everyone could listen. The head nurse (or someone) said that it really helped the staff. As you'd imagine, it can be high stress, and somewhat depressing to work in that environment and the music was not only just good for listening, but a great stress reliever. I hope he'll chime in here.....
As for kids - remember the short attention spans - Jesse's kids are young and he has good experience and it sounds like he's right on.
Have fun!!
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Bwop
Lokahi
USA
244 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2006 : 4:44:38 PM
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Aloha e Mike,
As Andy so aptly said, "involvement". Play the sounds, play the places, play your heart. It doesn't have to be all "ki ho'alu wale no"-- DO the hokey pokey ("E Huli Makou" is the Hawai'ian equivalent), have them sing, dance, make noises, show a like/dislike for foods, whatevah. Mostly, jus' be present.
I play for my preschoolers all the time, and they eat it up. I was also fortunate to play for my Mom in the senior center several times before she passed. She would slip into dream, smile, and then would say, "I don't know what language you're singing, but I know how important and beautiful it is...".
No hold back. Geeb 'em. Have fun, and open your heart! |
Bwop |
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