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Marimbas, xylophones and ham radios take the reading stage at county library

July 12, 2011|By Shelley St. Ange-Sheldon
Shelley St. Ange-Sheldon

GAYLORD — “One World, Many Stories” is the theme for this summer’s reading program at the Otsego County Library. The two events that occurred last week brought this theme to life with plenty of action, sounds and audience participation.

Close to 200 children and adults came to these two fun-filled programs sponsored by the Friends of the Otsego County Library.

David Hall, a professional percussionist with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, invited everyone to join him on a whirlwind voyage around the world as he introduced percussion instruments that originated in different countries in a program presented on July 6.

Children danced in their seats as Hall demonstrated the variety of beats and rhythms that accompany the different forms of music that make each country unique. One example of lessons attendees learned was that the marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala.

Hall disassembled one of the marimbas he was playing and showed everyone in the audience the function of resonators, which can be constructed of man-made materials or hallow gourds. The keys that are struck with soft mallets are often made from exotic woods such as Brazilian rosewood.

The program ended with participants engaging in a traditional Mexican hat dance.

Alpha, Alpha, 8 Papa Quebec (AA8PQ) is the call sign used by licensed amateur radio operator Bill Hughes. He and Todd Hopps (KD8MTM) discussed the importance of ham radio operators.

When a disaster strikes anywhere around the world and ordinary means of communication are compromised, often the amateur radio operators are the first people to respond with precious, possibly lifesaving information.

Hughes, a member of Tomarc (Top of Michigan Amateur Radio Club), in this second summer reading program offered at the library last week on July 9, remarked on the necessity for attracting folks young and old to join this club.

“Our numbers are dwindling, so we especially need younger people in the ranks,” he said.

Every child who attended this program was able to try his hand at communicating with a licensed operator somewhere in the United States. Calvin was a young fellow who was able to communicate with someone from Minnesota.



There are still several events scheduled for children to enjoy this summer.

For more information on upcoming Summer Reading Program events,
contact Cathy at 732-5841.

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