Sue Schmidt, a JAARS missionary assists Rosa Musick, 18, play a flute from Thailand. Also pictured, from left, are Wolfe teachers Vanessa Connell and Karen Thalman.
“Some of these instruments are mine, some I borrowed from the people at JAARS. Some students can’t express themselves in words, but music helps them express themselves. Schmidt brought a “slit gong” from Camaroon, Africa, which is used for music and sending messages; a talking drum from Ghana, Africa; a djembe drum from Africa; a snakeskin covered drum from Papua New Guinea; a pan pipe from South America; a flute from Thailand; a xylophone from Thailand; a rain stick from South America; and a rattle from Vanuatu, an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean.
- Sue Schmidt, Missionary
Schmidt was invited by Wolfe teacher Karen Thalman after she attended an open house at JAARS and saw Schmidt demonstrating her instruments from around the world.
“We wanted to give students a hands-on experience to show them cultural diversity,” Thalman said. “We wanted them to see instruments that children in other countries play. Music is an international language.” Schmidt said she enjoys visiting schools and showing students the diversity of musical instruments from around the world. For more information about Schmidt’s school visits, call (704) 843-6130.
This article was provided courtesy of the Communications Office of the Union County Public Schools.
2010 Union County, NC
