The Love Crystal

A beautiful but tragic love story from Vietnam is paired with traditional tunes played
on a Chinese bamboo flute.  This story teaches that inner beauty is more important
than outward appearances.  The full version of this program requires a
three-person chamber ensemble of keyboard, stringed instrument and Chinese
flute.  A scaled-down version can be done with solo flute.
Lion Hunt!

A fun program for younger children that explores African animals, body
rhythms, movement and song. Children go on an interactive safari and learn
rhythmic patterns based on animal names. They also learn a simple South
African song and dance.
These programs of  folk tales and tunes  
 introduce musical, cultural and historical
concepts to children. Adults find them
lots of fun too. Each program pairs a
folktale with a flute and/or musical
selection.  Programs fit into a 30 minute
class period and audience size is
flexible. All of the programs are suitable
for schools, libraries, children's clubs
and family events and can be
customized to fit specific age groups.  
Storytelling and School Programs
Mairie’s Magic Flute

Magic flutes, dancing dragons and sprightly tunes make
up an entertaining program for all ages.  The story begins
in Scotland, home of Mairie, an adventurous princess who
is given a magic flute that causes giants to dance until they
drop.  She travels throughout Europe learning tunes
and dueling monsters. The contests get progressively
more difficult until there are no more options left
except for one final surprising twist. It culminates in a
medley of tunes from the story.
The Myth of Pan

The lighthearted story of Pan, the Greek god who invented Pan pipes shows
how music can be made from a hollow reed. Students compare the age of this
2500 year-old myth to that of oldest known musical instrument -- a 35,000 year-
old bone flute.  Students will have an opportunity to examine and hear some of
Conant’s ethnic flutes. She will show how Greek myths continue to influence
the modern era as she performs two classical flute pieces that are based on
the Pan story.
Pan Pipes Workshop

Students make and play their own pan pipes made of plumbing pipe, clay,
Popsicle sticks and rubber bands.  
How The Cedar Flute Came to Be

A young man goes on a vision quest and invents the cedar flute.  The music
includes a classical piece performed on Native American flute and a work
inspired by Native American music performed on classical flute.
An early 20th century statue depicting Pan
South American flute and pan pipes
Musician, Composer, Flutist
Storyteller, Music Director
photo by Susanna Henke
photo by Susanna Henke
"Many, many thanks for your wonderful storytelling
and music program this morning. It was obvious that
the children enjoyed every moment."
Thank you so much for adding
your magical dimension to the
new literacy experiences of the
children in Begin With Books'
service area. ... the children just
loved your program."