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Someone once said that human coexistence really only began with jokes(humor) and if one was unable to bear irony, the culture would not survive. In other words “do not take yourself too seriously.”
The irony in every facet of Andrea’s approach to life & teaching& learning is uplifting.
The SATS performed at the Festival of the Sound in the Stockey Centre Saturday July 19th, 2014. Georgian Bay was basking in the early morning sunlight and there was an interlude of peace just prior to the performance. The kids were involved in The Bay..and clamored up the rocks at 10:30am, to be ready, on stage at 11am, with their instructors Andrea Hansen, Graham Campbell, Debbie Jones Pawis.
Andrea Hansen is the talented and colourful creator of Strings across the Sky. She is a former member of the Montreal and Toronto Symphony Orchestras. (numerous awards including the Order of Canada in 1999). Since 1988, she has volunteered her time and talents working and traveling and encouraging a network of musicians and patrons to donate instruments and help support this new initiative. This creative & fun learning of the violin and traditional fiddling has been introduced in the Arctic as well as many other indigenous communities across Canada
She will, for example, state that a musical theme is like a potato. ” How can a potato be served up, how many variations could one present the potato? Baked, mashed, fried. Let’s take Twinkle Twinkle Little Star….and serve it up plaintively, joyfully etc.”
Do you recall your formal musical instruction? Was it engaging? Did you learn how to have fun whilst doing your scales? Did you laugh so hard that your sides ached; did you work so hard that time passed and you did not know where the time went? Or were you bored and impatient for the practice time to pass?
If I were to give my feelings a voice, I’d say that music is an international language that transcends all social and cultural barriers. It has an ability to communicate and include.
Think about what music does. It increases the attention span and focus, improves academic discipline, increases emotional resilience, and empathy, and self confidence.
Honourary Patron, Sir Andrew Davis, Conductor Larueate would support this venture. Just remember: http://www.stringsacrossthesky.com if ever you want to further explore what music can do.
Best,
Susan
Strings Across the Sky Foundation .
“Inspiring and empowering youth with a passion for learning through the violin and the art of fiddling “ Musical training impacts a set of processes in the brain that are related to many other activities, from intelligence and reading to the ability to focus and do well in school.
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