I was enjoying some early breakfast Sunday morning, and enjoy perusing about the retail toy items in the hopes of finding some new trick or toy. I've become rather addicted for buying things like this, and seem to find some way to justify my purchase.

" Oh this would go great with___! "

"Hey If I get this I can wrok it into my act! "

Ans so on and so on....

HOWEVER...

I came across a kid's accordion, and was drawn to it by it's small size, and brightly colored panels. I picked it up the display model, and within five minutes I was able to play a little tune or two. I've always been musically inclinded, but I never realized how easy this thing was to play!

I've already worked out the notes to "On Top of Ole Smoky " and "Happy Birthday", and have got those down pretty well.

Anyone else here enjoy using musical instruments in their act? This one seems a natural to me, and, of course, I HAD TO HAVE IT! :)

I've been a pro musician for a number of years. I'm thinking about building myself a little banjo type instrument out of an old butter cookie tin. I just haven't gotten to it yet....Too many guitars to repair.
How do you incorporate music into your programs?

Hey Scruffy! (Wave)

Well, I haven't actually incorporated any music into my acts yet. This instrument will be my "try".
I'm thinking that I will try it in walkarounds, possibly playing a small bit of a very recognizible song, wait with one hand to hear, and hopefully someone will play along and hum the rest of the tune! :)

I'm going to try that idea out this weekend, if I have the chance. I'm going to do balloons and cards, hopefully will get the opportunity to try it out...

You play Guitar? Banjo? Anythings else?

Guitar, banjo, Dobro, Ukelele, I also dabble with the fiddle, mandolin, Pedal steel guitar, and the electric bass. I've played guitar for nearly 27 years. It really is my main instrument... I've never tried it with my clown act. I am thinking about it.

That's great!

I was in band in high school sixteen years ago, played the clarinet, bass clarinet, and the tuba...

(What a change, huh? :) ) So I can read treble and bass clef, but I'm better at treble.

Here's my idea of working in the music.

My setting is a pizza parlor that has video games and a playground area. I was going to walk from table to table, waving hi to everyone, and play parts of popular songs during the walkaround, songs that everyone knows. I'll stop a few notes into the song, place my hand to my ear and turn left to right, and hope that one or others will help me out. What I'm hoping will happen is that the parents or kids will help me finish the song, either by humming or singing the next bar or two.

This, or course, will just have to be tried to see if it works, like anything else....

I was thinking of doing a sing along when I do birthday parties.
Like I said I intend to build it. Since I'm a tramp clown I think it will add a nice touch.
I'll post a picture of it when I am done.