by Jennifer Tangeman
Without saying a word, Jarrett Binney captivated the attention of hundreds of elementary school students Tuesday. That’s the power of music, he would say.
“There’s always room for music in your life,” the blue-painted Binney told the pupils of Columbia Elementary School.
The substitute teacher said he decided to use his musical background and tap into the Blue Man Group to give the students at Columbia a special show to celebrate Music Appreciation Month.
He started his performance near the ceiling of the school’s gymnasium, in the catwalk.
“He had their attention from the very beginning,” principal Elizabeth Loposser said. “I think the kids loved it.”
Binney said he believes many students at the school might have a difficult home life, and he wanted to give them a unique experience.
“You just know they appreciate it so much,” he said. “I still remember seeing a K.I.S.S. performance in the fifth grade. It’s the sort of thing you never forget.”
And the children seemed to appreciate the performance. The crowd of kids began chanting “Mr. Binney rocks” near the conclusion of the show.
Binney used a video projection of the Blue Man Group to interactively play musical instruments. He invited different groups of students to participate by banging on drums or shaking a tambourine.
The crowd clapped along throughout the show, and at a few points it had teachers and students alike on their feet dancing.
Binney said he has always loved the innovative and creative style of the Blue Man Group and has seen their performances off Broadway on a few occasions.
“I thought I could tweak it and do something the kids would enjoy,” Binney said. “Ninety percent of the kids at this school and other schools will never be able to see things like this in real life.
“It’s nice for them to be able to experience that culture. It’s better to bring it to them than to have them miss out on it.”
Binney said he thinks programs like Tuesday’s are important particularly in times of budget crunches.
“I know one of the first things to go in budget cuts is gym, arts and music,” he said. “Kids already only have music once a week. I’d like to see them have it more than that even. It makes a difference. It did for me.”
He explained the benefits of tuning in to the artistic or creative parts of the brain. Binney believes adding things like music to curriculum not only enriches education but makes children more successful.
He received high fives and hugs from students following his performance.
“I think it’s good. It’s fun,” second-grader Nathan Lingley said. “He has songs I like.”
Following the Blue Man Group portion of the show, Binney had children join him in singing contemporary songs and popular oldies like Beatles tunes.
Loposser said she did not know all of the details before the program Tuesday, but was pleased with the outcome.
“I think he wanted to do something a little more different,” the principal said. “I think it will spark conversation about music once the students are back in their classrooms.”
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 or jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
