A musical exploration of junk with Al Simmons. Juno Award-winner Al Simmons demonstrates how the various instruments of a symphony orchestra make music.

 

The principles of sound waves, vibrations, resonance, and pitch are clearly explained as Al plays his bizarre homemade versions of stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.He manages to coax music out of tin cans, soda straws, garden hoses, plastic drink bottles, rulers, coat hangers, and even a turkey baster. He explains, by way of hilarious example, the science behind the music and how his crude instruments are similar to their more expensive counterparts.

 

During the show, Al sings audience favourites from his albums The Truck I Bought From Moe, Celery Stalks At Midnight and Something's Fishy At Camp Wiganishie; featuring Al's crazy costumes, hats, fish and even a sing along eye chart. Al teaches students the importance of recycling and re-using and that they, too, can make music out of found items - even stuff that is headed for the landfill site. While homemade instruments may not have the most sophisticated of sounds, their construction will have the essence of, and be played using the same principles as the finest most expensive store-bought kind.

 

Al's performance is an exploration of his inventions. He demonstrates a variety of his creations, from a spring-loaded-kitchen-utensil hat to a smokin' smoked salmon, and talks about the trials and tribulations of being and inventor. What do you do when your invention fails? Each failure is a step towards success. Al explains that some of his inventions were accidental or serendipitous, while others were painstakingly planned out on paper, created as a prototype and then methodically constructed.

 

“The feedback from teachers and students has been phenomenal. As a presenter and former teacher, it is truly wonderful to see kids laughing and learning at the same time.”

—Brian Bemel, Artistic Director, Performances To Grow On, Ojai, California

 

"Incredible! Al Simmons just taught the entire music and sound science curriculum in an hour and the students just soaked it up." 

—Gerzinus Hoekstra, Ontario · Ministry of Education

 

“Part music, part science, all fun...we had a blast!" 

—Timber Trace Elem., W. Palm Beach Florida

 

"His wacky lyrics and goofy gags are subtle demonstrations of the rich variety, elasticity and playful potential of the English language."     

—Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

 

"It was hilarious and educational! Delightful and awe-inspiring! Boy, would I love to be that kind of teacher. All our students (and teachers) were entranced. It was a blast and educational, too! Lynn Eldridge, Fulton Place Elementary, Edmonton" 

—Lynn Eldridge, Fulton Place Elementary, Edmonton

 

"I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt." 

—Cynthia Coler -Principal, Flory Academy of Science and Technology, Moorepark, California

 

"So educational, you covered all the bases: language arts, music, rhythm, science and most importantly humane comedy.  Our students are still talking about the new ideas they learned while you were here.  

—J. Winkle, Westview Primary School, Goose Creek, South Carolina