Activity: Victorian Music Day
15th August 2012 - 16th August 2012
Museum Event: Children's Holiday Activity
“Victorian Music Day” – We will be visited by the multi-talented Richard York and his amazing collection of Victorian instruments and puppets.
Richard York is probably unique in being able to introduce and play such a wide number of instruments of the Victorian period, alongside a positive plethora of entertaining anecdotes pertaining to the cornucopic collection he presents.
Since he both works in schools and gives regular presentations to local history societies, U3A groups and most layers between, he is used to tailoring his material to suit audiences of many ages.
So the history of the concertina may introduce a chance for children to try performing to its music with a jig doll, in the style of a Victorian street busker; meeting and hearing a hammer dulcimer allows time for people to have a go at playing one - and the years have shown that it's as often adults as children who are keen to meet this instrument. Richard plays and explains the workings of a hurdy gurdy, again the 19th Century descendant of a medieval instrument. If you've never met one, prepare to be amazed! Likewise the delicate and intricate Northumbrian smallpipes, as well as a rather magical folding period harmonium, more squeeze boxes, and odds and ends, including the story of the probable origins of the tin whistle.
Join in with the music and even make your own peg doll dancer.
See www.richard-york.co.uk for more information.
Activity runs anytime between 10am to 4pm but takes 45mins to an an hour to complete.
Free to season ticket holder and daytime children’s films are included as part of the admission charge.
Any non-season ticket holder adults attending the holiday activities with their children free of charge, must pay the adult admission price to see the film as well.
Contact the museum on 01606 271640 or
email cheshiremuseums@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for more details.