It had been a few years since an event was held in Arizona for Young Ringers. Since Jason Wells is well-known for his work with kids, and he was going to be the clinician for the Adult Festival, he was asked to spend some time with youth ringers the evening before the Main Festival. The idea was that Jason would choose a piece of music that the young people had not seen before. They would come and meet with Jason for a few hours and work on the piece preparing it to the point where they could ring from memory. Jason graciously consented to do this and chose Kevin McChesney's Capriccio! Here's what happened. (Be sure to go all the way to the end for a quote from Jason about the experience.)

Jason gathers the kids in a circle and talks about the music.
Mark this in your score. We'll need a crescendo here.	We'll want to get very soft for this section. Don't forget you use mallets on these notes.
Now everyone gets a chance to try counting a 7/8,6/8,4/4,3/4 piece.
This is a bit confusing....	....but we'll keep trying. 1, 3, 5 - 1, 3, 5!
Kids had a little help on the low bass bells from an OLDER kid at the far end of the table. HOW ABOUT A PIZZA BREAK!!!!
Some take it sitting down.......	......others like to keep on the move.
BREAK'S OVER - BACK TO WORK!
Let's make a few more marks on our music.	A view of Jason from behind the table as everyone plays a bit more.
Wow! We're really playing WITH OUR BOOKS CLOSED!	We can actually watch the director!
A closing word from Jason. Yes, the kids did learn to play Capriccio. They worked hard and they had fun doing it under Jason's direction. Most of them had about 3/4ths of their parts memorized. Jason is a miracle worker. Thanks Jason, for an inspiring, confidence-building experience for Arizona State's Young Ringers. Quote from Jason - "I was so proud of the kids Friday night. WOW. I'll have stories to share now - the kids in Arizona did it after 2 hours!"

Page revised 04/15/2005
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