Many posts have appeared recently expressing concern that the mechanical
music advocates will soon fade into oblivion.  Bringing new music to the
medium has been mentioned as one way to keep interest the these machines.
That is a good idea, but generating interest in the original music played
on various instruments is also key.

This past week, the Scott Joplin Foundation just completed another
successful effort in keeping Ragtime Era music alive.  For the last 20
years that organization has sponsored an "Artist in Residence" program
for the school children in and around Sedalia, Missouri.  Frederick
Hodges was this year's artist.

Hodges appeared at eleven schools throughout the week.  In groups
ranging in size from 80 to 200, his presentation was seen by over one
thousand children in the kindergarten through eighth grades.  When he
performed "Kitten on the Keys," young student volunteers sat on the
piano lid and mimicked cat scratching gestures and meows.  His playing
included the "Maple Leaf Rag," which Scott Joplin composed about a Sedalia
social club.  Hodges related Scott Joplin's relationship to the area in
which the children were living.  Each program contained a variety of
music as Hodges' repertoire is huge and contains novelty, show tunes,
and much more. The length of each program was tailored to be appropriate
for the age of the group.

Frederick Hodges' infectious enthusiasm coupled with his cheerful
performance was a natural fit with the youngsters.  His predecessors
in this program are also most impressive.  They include, Bryan Holland,
Sue Keller, Jeff Barnhart, Mimi Blais, John Arpin, Scott Kirby, Reginald
Robinson, Tony Caramia, and others who I cannot recall.

Who knows how the children will take this education and run with it.
This program has to be making a difference.  Perhaps this could serve
as model to other areas of the country for like events.  Let's hope
so.  Visit this site to see Hodges in action:

  http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/sections/article/gallery/?pic=1&id=22215 

Bob Taylor

 [ I hope the students could also see and hear a player piano.  -- Robbie