Bluegrass band talks about ambassadorship at Palatine High
Students at Palatine High School had the opportunity to hear how bluegrass music and international relations are linked together when the Henhouse Prowlers addressed students in the Altergott Auditorium at Palatine High School, Jan. 22.
The band, based in Rogers Park, discussed their involvement in the Bluegrass Ambassadors program, in which they travel around the world performing with local ensembles. They told students about working across language and cultural barriers.
"We wanted to show the students that global partnership and communication is possible," said Aaron Dorfman, the band's guitarist. "Our music and travels are symbolic of the fact that there are no barriers that can't be broken down."
"We also wanted them to know that what they see in the media is not always completely accurate," added Jon Goldfine, bass player for the band. "There's so much more to the story, the people, and the culture."
The assembly was arranged by astronomy teacher Sean Fisher-Rohde, who spent a portion of the summer touring with the band.
"I saw the impact they made internationally," said Fisher-Rohde. "The question was, 'how do I fit this into the curriculum,' and it was so natural, even for kids who are not in music."
Fisher-Rohde then coordinated with English teacher Chris Quick to ensure multiple classes could attend the performances. Quick arranged the schedule and set up field trip forms that would allow as many students from a variety of non-music classes to attend.
Band members opened the discussion to the students, taking questions on a variety of subjects from music to international travel and beyond. Students asked each member why they chose a music career and what careers they initially pursued.
"These kids were very engaged," said Ben Wright, banjo player for the Henhouse Prowlers. "They wanted to absorb what we were giving them."
"They asked some great questions," Goldfine said.
Between discussions, the Henhouse Prowlers performed a variety of music, including original pieces. The quartet also performed a variety of international folk music from countries like Uganda and Kyrgyzstan. While performing the Kyrgyz song Kara Jorgo, the band members explained and demonstrated the traditional dance.
"This was a very cool show," said sophomore Fiona Metzo. "I especially enjoyed the international music. I could see it get a great response from those around me as well."
As the band prepared to perform one of their pieces, they offered students from Palatine's various music programs to join them on stage. Five students, Andy Kics, electric guitar; Mark Burger, tuba; Gavin Buchanan, tenor saxophone; Deven Duphare, acoustic guitar; and Fiona Metzo, flute, chose to join the band on stage.
"I was a little nervous to go up there, but it was really fun," said Kics.
"I liked the interaction with the band and the other students on the stage," Buchanan added. "This made me appreciate the style more."
Throughout what was ultimately two different songs, each student was given the opportunity to improvise their own solo. The band was impressed by each of the student-musician's courage and thrilled by the support shown to each student on the stage.
"I was impressed by their musical knowledge and ability," said Dorfman.
"I loved the support from the students who didn't get on stage," said Kyle O'Brien, mandolin player for the band. "There was no teasing. It was all love and encouragement."
Following their performance at Palatine High School, the Henhouse Prowlers will resume a touring schedule that takes them to nearby cities like McHenry and Chicago, to international locations like London, England, and Oostkamp Belgium.
For information about the Henhouse Prowlers or the Bluegrass Ambassadors Program, visit www.henhouseprowlers.com.