The Musical Touch for All

After the launch of their “Excavate Something Big Summer Reading Program” on June 9th, the Grand Terrace Public Library kicked off its first event for the summer with a special musical performance by One World Rhythm, an organization that provides spontaneous and exciting musical experiences for children and adults. Through the use of drums, percussion, and other melodic instruments, children and adults were able to participate in the creation of music. Pete Ellison, the founder of One World Rhythm, created this organization to provide communities, children, and adults the opportunity to make music regardless of their musical talent. The event began with the introduction of Pete Ellison and his assistant Debbie as they passed around different instruments to audience members so they could begin their musical performance. Of course, the moment every child got their drum they began their own solo performance. “I like the drums,” Michael, a five-year-old performer said. “Because you get to hit them and make loud noises.” After the solo performances had ended, Pete and Debbie coached the children to shake and hit their instruments with a particular hand gesture that Pete would make. Once the children understood the directions and saw Pete’s hand gestures, the room was filled with the sound of laughter as the kids created their own music. While the children were having fun making music, Pete and Debbie did not want to exclude the parents from joining in. Throughout the performance, Pete and Debbie selected certain adults to come to the front to lead the children in a musical performance. One adult, who Pete renamed “Justin Beaver” was lucky enough to lead the entire room in a sing along of Queen’s classic song “We Will Rock You”. “This organization is great by giving kids drums, shakers, and other instruments.” Jeff Smith, a library assistant at Grand Terrace Library, said. “The kids and adults get to join in on the music and have fun.” At the conclusion of the musical event, Jeff and Pete raffled off different prizes to the children who had participated in the event. The prizes were donated by Grand Terrace Library and included a selection of books that possessed a musical theme. The remaining prizes offered included an inflatable dinosaur and a t-shirt that had the “Excavate Something Big Summer Reading Program” logo printed on the front and back. With their first event for the summer over, the Grand Terrace Library has once again offered imagination and creativity to the children, their parents, and the community. For those who attended the event, One World Rhythm had truly succeeded in their mission to offer spontaneous and exciting music to the community.