By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Northborough – There was a lot of singing, clapping and giggling on the day before school vacation at the Fannie E. Proctor School in Northborough.
The Proctor PTO and the Northborough Local Cultural Council helped fund an enrichment program called “Ring in the Season” with a special performance by the New England Percussion Ensemble.
Three musicians, Abe Finch, Bob Otto and Ed Sorrentino, delighted the students, faculty and guests that attended this unique program Dec. 23. Each percussionist played several instruments.
“Music is a language that speaks to everybody. This program is interactive and I want the students to sing and participate,” Principal Margaret E. Donohoe said.
The performers were energetic and had the students learning and listening. There were many fun facts about instruments and how percussion is a bit different than string and wind instruments.
“We are percussionists,” Otto told the students. “We make a sound by striking something with something. Percussion is ancient and goes back thousands of years.”
He showed the students a large sea pod from a Royal Poinsettia tree. He also had a maraca
that was purchased for about $20. Both produce similar sounds but one is manmade while the other is from nature and is free. He also explained how a shaker is the easiest thing to make.
“You can take an empty Pringles can and fill it with dry rice. Listen to the sound that each of these makes. Which would you rather have? The one that costs a lot or the one for free?” Otto asked. The kids, in unison, agreed that the one for free was more desirable.
The students were also introduced to a “resonating chamber” that appeared to resemble a hollow log. The students were asked if they knew what part of their body was similar to a resonating chamber and they replied that their mouth was like a resonating chamber for your voice.
“I can get messages to you nonverbally, like sign language just with the pitches, rhythms and notes. We call this the ‘talking drum,’” Finch noted. .
The students were also introduced to melodic percussion instruments like the marimba, which is wood and set up like a piano, the glockenspiel, which are metal bells, and the vibraphone, which is metal and also set up like a piano. They listened and compared the sounds made by controlling the foot petal as well as placing something under the keys to block the airflow.
The conclusion of the program was entertaining with holiday songs that were familiar to many in the audience. Chanukah and Christmas songs were played and the students, teachers and guests sang along.
“We are truly a multicultural group here,” Donohoe said. “We have a family that just moved here in December from Japan. We have been enriched with a family from Israel. We hope you enjoy the spirit of the holiday season.”