The latest in the series of Studio Sessions produced by Production Manager Karen Adams debuts tonight at 10 pm on Channel 27 and replays tomorrow night on Channel 30 at 7:30 pm. This half hour music and interview program features the Harmonica Players of Channing House. This twenty strong chorale of harmonicists grew out of a harmonica class taught at the senior center Avenidas two and a half years ago. The students were so pleased with the playing and the friendships they formed they founded the Channing House Harmonica Players and now practice every Saturday morning. The average age of the harmonicists is 86 years old.
The players performed close to twenty favorites, particularly suited to the harmonica as they evoke the nostalgia of days gone by: Danny Boy, Cockles and Mussels, Bells of St. Mary, Good Night Ladies and so many more. This program is a veritable journey into America's folk heritage. Co-founders Barbara Browne and Joy Gee split the duties of directing the active group and are interviewed by host Judy Gittelsohn about the responsibilities and pleasures of running their organization.
Other members are interviewed including 93 year old Miriam Angus. Despite the challenges presented by the loss of her sight, Ms. Angus' joy at playing harmonica is palpable. It is obvious that the reason the music is so fun to listen to is because the players are enjoying it themselves.
Give yourself a gift this holiday season: watch this show! The simplicity of the music and the complexity of some of the arrangements will transport you out of your daily grind! We are really grateful to Robin Gee, Station Manager at CityTV, Santa Monica, one of our sister stations down the coast, for co-producing this wonderful program for us.
Click here to see additional playback times of the Channing House Harmonica Players. (Photos courtesy of Robin Gee.)
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