Harmonica in the Elementary Music Classroom Performance Research Project Comprehensive Musicianship Summer 2014 Linda Kwan and Mildred Yi
Performance Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach (excerpt) Transcribed for Two-Part C Harmonica
Rationale Rationale 1: Personal Connection Teaching for Elementary Music Class Fosters Inclusive/Accessible Classrooms Portable Instrument Affordable Instrument Requires Minimal Fine Motor Skills Ease of Success for All Levels of Learning
Rationale Rationale 2: Harmonica for Elementary School Music Methods Course Effective tool for teaching basic musicianship to Liberal Studies Majors planning to be elementary music teachers Beginning instrument to all levels of music experience Less common in traditional music method classes Kinesthetically accessible for adults Rote music learning at beginning stages possible
Background Harmonica Free reed wind instrument Used in variety of musical genres: Classical Pop Jazz Ensemble
Types of Harmonica Diatonic - One Layer Reed, 10 Notes Tremolo - Two Layer Reed – oscillating, 24 Keys
Chromatic – button activated sliding bar that redirects air to alter notes
History: Europe to North America Originated in Vienna Joseph Richter: invented the blow and draw mechanics 1830 Brought to Germany Christian Messner (clothmaker) Distribution via Immigration 1868 Brought US – Called Mouth Organ Mathia Hohner (clockmaker) Southern States via black market: Hilbilly and Jazz (featured in Jug Bands in Memphis) Abe Lincoln and Billy the Kid had one! Mass Production by Machine Cut and Exported to other countries 20 th C Invention of Diatonic Harmonica,Tremolo, Octave, Chromatic
History: East Asia 1898Brought to Japan from Germany - Tremelo Harmonica modified for Japanese folk tunes 1931 Minor key harmonica developed in Japan 1930s Brought to Hong Kong - Tremelo Harmonica Popular - Beginning of Harmonica Organizations: China YMCA Harmonica Orchestra -1950s Linda’s grandfather was in the Kings College Harmonica Band – one of the oldest Harmonica ensembles that still exist today. – Tremolo Harmonica 1950s Chromatic Harmonica Introduced
Kings College Harmonica Band
Parts of the Harmonica
Other Uses
Harmonica Lesson Activity
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