OMHOF, Oregon Public Schools and Aaron Meyer Assemblies 2009
Well-known local violinist Aaron Meyer knows how to get students to sit up and take notice.
With backing from the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, a nonprofit organization that supports music education in schools, Meyer is holding 40-minute presentations that blend modern and classical music. Since February, he has visited nine PPS schools, and will play at two more next month.
"Aaron Meyer is a world-class violin player, and we're thrilled to help so many students experience his one-of-a-kind performances," says Janeen Rundle, board director of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
Between songs, Meyer talks with students — usually elementary or middle school age — about how musical instruments work, asking them questions that range from basic ("What is the main material used to make violins?") to more advanced ("What defines an acoustic instrument?").
During a recent show at Metropolitan Learning Center, things started off nicely, if predictably: a brief introduction by Principal Frank Scotto, a few quick words from Meyer, and then his first song, a melodic tune he wrote called "Emerald Shores."
To students' delight, Meyer switched instruments after the song, saying: "You've met my acoustic violin. Now you can meet my electric violin." Holding the electric violin like a rock musician and playing with his fingers, he filled the room first with the sound of an acoustic violin, then with distortion-heavy riffs.
The students were hooked.
"Aaron makes the violin cool," says Principal Frank Scotto, who has seen Meyer perform several times. "He never disappoints."
Meyer says he tries to educate students while keeping it fun. In addition to playing three full songs at MLC, he held students' attention by demonstrating various effects and techniques, describing his equipment and taking questions. He talked about what inspires him and what first motivated him to learn to play — he was 5, and it involved a giant cake in the shape of a violin.
Twice, Meyer told students to remember, even if they forget everything else, that all music relies on math and science, from the engineering of the violin to the computer processing done by the effects box.
Meyer's final performances this year are at Lent Elementary School on April 17 and at Clark@Binnsmead K-8 School on May 4.
To learn more about Meyer, go to his Web site.
Dan Schauffler and his Valley Catholic High students
"We all know that we owe you thanks and graditude for the unfathamable contributions that you have made, and continue to make to the local music community, and now the next generation, the students, and everyone who enjoys music! As you were placing OMHOF pamphlets on the chairs at the Aladdin, I reflected upon the countless hours you and the other board members put in to the task of furthering music, and music education. Mike Regan, Todd,as and I all agree teachers, that our schools benifit directly and indirectly from your efforts. I've seen first hand what you did for Michelle Leipsig (from my school), Kate Davis(from our neigborhood) and all the other students. My prayer is that big groups like SAFCO, and perhaps the Blazers, or someone, will match your efforts with grants that will make an even bigger differnce in these perilous times!
Keep doing what your gut tells you! St. Paul said, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" "
- Danny Schauffler and the students at Valley Catholic High
Aaron Meyer Music Education Programs
Research shows that students become highly involved with core academic curriculum when creative opportunities open for interpretation are made available.
Aaron has been conducting the following music education programs in schools around the United States and in International locations for over 10 years.
Mission: To provide young students with the introductory tools to engage in classical music, and to teach them how it can be integrated into contemporary, pop, and world music with a modern approach.
 Programs: Aaron has 4 music education programs that can be geared to all levels of education. Please click on the links below for a more detailed description on each program.
- Assembly Presentation - a 40 minute all school assembly style presentation
- Artist & Residence Recording and Technology Program ("The Classoom Music Project") - a 3 day recording program where students create their own songs and produce their own music, making their very own CD in a real recording studio that comes to your school.
- Youth Orchestra Program
- Master Classes and Workshops
For more information on these programs or to make a booking, please contact us at info@aaronmeyer.com or call 503.515.3461
"My students can't stop talking about you. They practically attacked me when I walked in the door this morning!! They can't stop talking about the violin cake and the shape of your electric violin. They absolutely loved your visit!! Your musicianship is superb, and your presentation is paced just right for elementary without talking over the little ones' heads or talking down to the older ones. Nice work on the math and science promotion, too!" - Amber Schumacher, Lenox/Groner Music Specialist, Portland, Oregon
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