I woke up with a stinky summer cold this morning, generously handed on to me by Darling d. I decided to take a borrowed keyboard synthesizer in with me to my autist music students in an effort to save my voice. It had exciting rows of buttons and switches and one big red knob which said on and off. So at least I knew what that one switch did…
I set it up and it teetered alarmingly on its spindly stand. My three students studied it suspiciously, and I wondered whether I would be able to defend it, should it prove too popular.
I started to press buttons pretty much at random as I played it.
The boy who makes a noise like a chainsaw has recently shown no interest in anything at all, and can no longer put on his shoes (he used to be able to). He strode up purposefully, flicked switches and then seized my fingers delicately and used them to play the keys. He changed the instrument sounds until he found a rich deep bass tone, searched for the exact pitch he wanted(a low C) and held the note down himself for as long as he could, enjoying the vibrations until they finally decayed.
I hit another button and a bossa nova drum rhythm exploded into the room.
The boy who likes having his head massaged got to his feet and clapped his hands and swayed. The girl who loves keys joined us at the keyboard and we all played our own melodies along with the drums. It was probably more fun to do than to listen to…
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10 comments:
sounds like you all scattered a bit of sunshine.
I love the stories about your students. You write about them honestly relaying their good days and bad. The attention to the details of their individual personalities shows just how great a teacher you are and how lucky they are to have you.
Sounds a great deal of fun to do.
I admire anyone who works with children. I have special admiration for you in your work with children who have such severe problems. The way you write about them shows that you really enjoy your work and value those kids.
Triumph!
The healing power of music with you as a benign pied piper!
I could not do what you do. My daughter has endless patience & love she gives to her aged & often dementia afflicted patients, & they love her. Again, something I could not do.
I salute you.
Brillient interaction! Hope you are feeling better soon.
Ditto, seconding all the comments! Hope you're better now.
So sweet the boy who likes having his head massaged - what a wonderful thing to be doing it sounds like such a worthwhile activity.
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