About the Artist:
Brien Engel is an explorer of unusual sounds coaxed out of everyday things. His main passion is the glass harp, an instrument comprised of 50 wine glasses, which he plays by rubbing his fingers on their rims. This enchanting art form dates back to the 18th century, and Brien is one of very few modern performers. His repertoire includes pieces by Mozart, Bach, and Haydn as well as popular standards, movie songs, ice cream truck songs, and the occasional heavy metal request.
He offers a thrilling STEAM/STEM presentation to support state curriculum standards for sound physics.
Category:
Type of Programs Offered
Description:
During a live assembly program, Brien performs music of different styles and periods, on the glass harp. The program explores musical instruments made from everyday materials, history of glass and water-tuned music, and related concepts of physics and sound. The program includes many participatory segments, and object lessons. Another segment of the program introduces Ben Franklin's invention (and the first American musical instrument), the glass armonica. Questions and song requests are welcome towards the end of the program.
Appropriate Grade Levels:
Curriculum Connections
Sound Physics
World History and Cultures
American History
This program is offered as:
Description:
Part One:
"The Glass Harp & Other Musical Oddities-- The Movie!" covers all the material of live programming: sound physics, improvised instruments, history of glass-making and glass music, Benjamin Franklin's Armonica, all generously interspersed with many musical selections played by Brien on his glass harp. Special care is taken for camera angles and close-ups of object lessons. Recorded with professional lighting and DSLR camera, it is available streamed from YouTube, or Brien's website, or as a mailed DVD. (Or, yet another online platform of your choice)
Part Two, included:
Complimentary Question/Answer + Musical Request + customized follow-up sessions, available using the conferencing platform of your choice. (Zoom, Meets, WebEx, etc)
Curriculum Connections
Sound Physics
World History and Cultures
American History
This program is offered as:
Program Costs:
Live Assemblies: $600 for one performance when in area, $900 for two performances, same school/day, $1,200 for three performances, same school/day. Prices cover all travel costs.
Virtual Program: $500 for one-week access to movie, school-wide, with two complimentary conferencing sessions for Q/A, and further demonstration (Zoom, Google Meets, etc)
Travel requirements or restrictions:
A minimum of two days worth of performances (or three performances) are required in Anne Arundel County for travel originating from Atlanta, GA. Discounts will be considered if Brien is already in the region.
Artist's featured work:
Artist's videos:
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