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THE JOY OF MUSICPaul Hann, an award winning singer/songwriter and well-known children's performer, has been introducing children to the joy of music in schools for over twenty years. His career has taken him all across Canada, down into the United States, across the Atlantic to England and Ireland and as far away as Bahrain and Hong Kong. Paul's work emphasizes the underlying belief that music holds an intrinsic joy that is easily brought to life in all people. The greatest experience of music lies in the ability to share its pleasure together. The PerformancePaul Hann presents a one-man forty-five minute participation concert, in which he sings and plays a six and twelve-string guitar. Performances are designed to accommodate various groups of students. The more intimate the group the better the communication. For example Paul will play to K-3, 4- 7 or K- 7 depending on the needs of the school. All technical aspects of the performance are taken care of. Paul travels with a quality sound system that requires a half hour set up and a fifteen-minute strike. Generally, the concert takes places on the gym floor where the students sit in straight rows, beginning with the youngest in the front. The MaterialDuring the concert Paul uses selections from his seven recordings for children. In addition to his own material he periodically includes one or two traditional songs. This acknowledges the continuity of music and the fact that some songs carry from generation to generation. Many songs are of a humorous nature to emphasize that music is fun. A great deal of the material is conducive both to student participation and education. Paul encourages his audience to sing along, mimic actions and clap in different rhythms. The performance contains a great of fun for the students but is controlled to maintain their focus. A theme is apparent in Paul's music as he names locations and sings about activities and experiences that are uniquely Canadian. He also refers to his place of birth and his travels to emphasize differences in various cultures. Paul talks about the process of songwriting and involves the students by having them complete rhymes. Periodically he has worked with groups of students in composing a school song. He also shares with students the procedure involved in recording a CD. Preparation and Follow-UpTeachers can relate Mr. Hann's background to their students, his experiences in television, recording and performing. Most of this information can be found in the biography enclosed in the press kit and listed on the website, www.paulhann.com. Teachers may wish to discuss appropriate audience manners with the students. For example, they may offer a clear explanation on the meaning of participation as well as the need to respect the performer and fellow audience members. Older children should be encouraged to think of questions relating to the performance or to Mr. Hann's musical career. Often students raise questions regarding how and why the songs were written, what it's like to be a musician etc. Younger students usually like to write to Mr. Hann after the performance. The letter can contain a drawing of what they remember about the concert. They should be encouraged to talk about their favorite songs and why they liked them. One song. "Snyder The Spider" has strong images and the children can draw their impression what Snyder looks like:
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