Philharmonic helps bring book to life at Shade Tree

Photos by Gary Thompson/ViewAbove, musicians help bring to life the book "The Remarkable Farkle McBride" by actor John Lithgow for children at the Shade Tree Shelter by playing their instruments as each one is introduced in the story, March 31. Below, Las Vegas Philharmonic conductor David Itkin reads the book aloud. He also answered the children?s questions about music. Photos by Gary Thompson/ViewAbove, musicians help bring to life the book "The Remarkable Farkle McBride" by actor John Lithgow for children at the Shade Tree Shelter by playing their instruments as each one is introduced in the story, March 31. Below, Las Vegas Philharmonic conductor David Itkin reads the book aloud. He also answered the children?s questions about music. Advertisement

During spring break, the Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild and conductor David Itkin visited the Shade Tree Shelter to read to children and answer questions about music.

Sitting on folding chairs at the front of a classroom, four musicians and Itkin were ready for their audience to arrive. A spring-themed bulletin board, children's artwork and colorful painted handprints spruced up the otherwise beige walls and floors. Patrick Bowen, a percussion player for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, beat his drumsticks on his legs while children trickled into the room.

After the audience was seated, Lee Kuna, a philharmonic guild volunteer and former teacher, introduced herself and the others to the children and their mothers. She explained that Itkin would be reading "The Remarkable Farkle McBride," a children's book by actor John Lithgow.

"He's going to be reading a book that is just so cool," Kuna said.

Kuna chose the book because she used to read it to her first-graders. The book is about a young boy who, through the course of about six years, learns to play several instruments. Kuna had the idea to include musicians in the reading to make the story come to life for the children.

"I have a secret about Mr. Itkin," Kuna told the group. "He knows everything there is to know about music."

Kuna then introduced the musicians and their instruments to the group -- Bowen on percussion, Tina Hadley on flute, Lisa Ratigan on violin and UNLV student Jeff Karp on trombone.

Children in kindergarten through fourth grade listened quietly while Itkin read the story. During the narrative, Farkle McBride learned to play the violin. Ratigan played her instrument for the children, who listened with rapt attention.

At age 4, Farkle destroys his violin after he decides to move on to something else.

"This is very bad," Itkin said.

The story flowed on, with Farkle learning to play the flute next. Just then, the mystical clear sound of Hadley's instrument could be heard throughout the classroom.

Then, as quickly as he started, Farkle flung the flute in the lake at age 6.

The story continued in this fashion with the main character learning the trombone and then the drums before ridding himself of his unwanted instruments as he aged. With each page, Itkin showed the book's pictures and made a comment or two.

"It certainly gets the young children exposed to music and instruments that they may not be otherwise," said Juliana McRae, president of the guild. "Plus, all children love to be read to."

At the end of the book, Farkle substitutes for the conductor who became ill with a common cold.

"Why is the conductor so old?" Itkin asked the children. "I don't understand that at all."

After the reading, Itkin and the musicians answered questions from the children, including, "How does the violin make all those sounds?" Then, Itkin described his job as a conductor.

"If Mr. Itkin was not doing what Farkle is doing, they would not sound so good," Kuna explained.

After their discussion with the musicians, the children and their mothers ate cookies and drank juice that was donated by the guild and the Great Harvest Bread Co. Barnes & Noble donated five copies of the book to the shelter.

Mother Samantha Allen attended the reading with four children and another mother, Michelle.

"I thought it was awesome," Allen said.

She used to play trombone in school and thought the reading was a good way to get kids to learn about a new subject. Also, she said the event held her daughter's attention.

"I was surprised that Revel sat and listened the whole time," Allen said.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild comprises volunteers who increase awareness of the philharmonic and support the orchestra through fundraising efforts, donations and membership fees.

The Shade Tree Shelter serves homeless and abused women and children; victims of domestic violence, elder abuse and street violence; female veterans; homeless youths; and the physically disabled.

McRae said she hospes this event will be a catalyst for more outreach programs hosted by the guild.

Contact View education reporter Laura Emerson at lemerson@viewnews.com or 380-4588.