Classical Harmonica

Until today, I was unaware that there was such thing as a harmonica virtuoso. I took the fifth and sixth graders to the Louisville Orchestra today since we had studied the orchestra and all its instruments in class. Today in addition to a Brazilian group of pieces and a Brahm's Concerto they did a concerto for the harmonica. Robert Bonfilio performed the harmonica solo. It was AMAZING! The kids were watching with their mouths hanging open. I never knew that someone could make sounds such as he out of a harmonica. WOW! Besides getting to hear some wonderful orchestra pieces, and being able to open the world of something different to a group of children, I learned something amazingly neat! I love it when unexpected things like that happen! I was aware there was going to be a harmonica involved today, but was unsure what to expect. Of course, he played three encores which were all blues pieces and the kids really ate it up! However, in the meantime, they were exposed to some wonderful orchestrated pieces. We were able to do this at just $9.00 a child. It was such a fantastic experience. I have decided that when I am "retired" from teaching I will make it a point to attend more of these "coffee concerts" as they call them. Anyone want to go along? I am off to the iTunes store to see if Robert has anything I can download. Amazing!