Brien Engel: Glass Harp
At the heart of Brien Engel’s performance is the rare and beguiling Glass "An ear for unusual sounds and a passion for instrument building has driven Brien Engel’s musical life for decades, from immersive sound design in theatre to his experiments with cooking pot guitars and vacuum cleaner flutes. Yet the Glass Harp captured his attention above all, and propelled him to create his own layout and musical stylings. He first developed his acclaimed educational program with the Young Audiences network in several chapters around the U.S., and has gone on to tour extensively, bringing his STEM/STEAM-themed presentation to many regions and communities. 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:
I require two consecutive days of contracts if traveling exclusively to Cumberland County. One contract is acceptable, if I'm already routed through the area on tour.
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: Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students: 300
Maximum Number of Performances: 4
Technical Requirements: Two tables, chairs, optional media board (Promethean, Smart, etc), for Brien's camcorder and HDMI (artist provides everything except the screen)
NC 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: $650 - one program / $920 - two programs (same day, same school)
