They came to Orcas Island with a marimba, taiko drum, Andean flute and more.
They left one week later, leaving a decided impact on students of all ages. The exciting duo of Miho Takekawa and Diego Coy, who teach and perform in the Seattle area, were the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Musicians-in-Residence in February.
“The visit provided the children with a wonderfully engaging tour of songs and instruments from around the world,” said Tom Rubottom, Montessori School teacher. “The performers, with their drums, piano, percussion, flutes and whistles captivated the children’s minds and moved their bodies, leaving the class with great big smiles and, perhaps, a deeper appreciation of how music can bring us all together.”
Miho is from Japan, Diego from Colombia. They came together in 2006 after admiring each other’s works and discovering their sounds could be combined to make something genuinely new and unique. Their primary goal is to encourage cultural understanding through music.
“Miho and Diego’s visits to both Kaleidoscope preschool and Salmonberry primary were exceptional experiences,” said Tom Rawson, OICMF Pied Piper. “The children received a rich experience in understanding both rhythm and dynamics, as well as a taste of the cultures that the music comes from. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the fabulous presentations Miho and Diego gave.” At one preschool, Miho played “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on their steel drum and invited the children to sing along. They surprised her by singing it in Japanese, too!
In addition to visiting the preschools, Miho and Diego coached Band Director Darren Dix’s 5th, 6th, Middle School and High School Band students. They were enthusiastically welcomed as they taught and performed for Pamela Wright’s kindergarten through 4th grade music classes. In the evening, they worked with Community Band members and conducted a Master Class in percussion, which were educational and entertaining for all. And the duo performed a special concert at the Senior Center, where the marimba, wooden flutes, piano, drum and maracas added up to fun Friday event.
“We can’t thank enough Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival and the Washington State Arts Commission for this wonderful opportunity,” said Miho Takekawa.