Brien Engel: Glass Harp
At the heart of Brien Engel’s performance is the rare and beguiling Glass Harp: a collection of stemware which he brings to musical life with his fingers. He first developed this acclaimed program with the Young Audiences network in several chapters around the U.S. In addition to playing K-12 settings, he’s performed for aspiring educators, science clubs, and other niche audiences. Curriculum connections abound! He’s constantly refining his object lessons in sound physics and demonstrations of improvised musical instruments, to inspire the fun of learning and pride in invention. He’s recently incorporated a live “Wave Machine,” and media board enhancement is now offered in all schools.
Minimum number of performances and/or workshops required for travel or hire:
To justify travel to Cumberland County: I require at least two consecutive days of contracts, each for at least two performances.
Assembly Performance: Amazing Glass Harp!
STEM/STEAM value for sound physics! Inspiration for young inventors! Brien Engel presents the Glass Harp -- an instrument of 50 stemmed glasses, which he plays by rubbing his fingers on their rims. This rare art form dates back to the 18th century, and Brien is one of very few practitioners. Students will enjoy a glass harp concert and demonstrations of fundamental sound physics to supplement units taught in class. Additional home-made instruments are presented. A demo model of Ben Franklin's invention, the Armonica, is also featured. This program includes audience interactive elements.
Duration: 45-50 minutes
Grade Level: Pre-K, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students: 300
Maximum Number of Performances: 4
Technical Requirements: Two six-foot tables, three chairs
NC Essential Standards: North Carolina Essential Standards, Music K-8: Kindergarten K.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. K.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 1st grade 1.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 1.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 2nd grade 2.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 2.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 3rd grade 3.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 3.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 3.CR.1: Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music. 4th grade 4.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 4.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 4.CR.1: Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music. 5th grade 5.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 5.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 5.CR.1: Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music. 6th grade 6.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 6.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 6.CR.1: Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music. 7th grade 7.ML.3: Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. 7.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 7.CR.1: Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music. 8th grade 8.MR.1: Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. 8.CR.1: Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music.
Cost: $580 - one program / $840 - two programs (same day, same school)