If It Ain't Baroque.....

The Baroque Festival was an absolute success this year!  The Pensacola Music Teachers Association had over 70 participants.  We had planned for two recitals, but because of the positive response, we increased to three recitals!  I had some different ideas to add to the Festival so I agreed to be the chairman for the event.  I wanted my own students to experience the Baroque period in a more tangible atmosphere.

Over the past year, I have been greatly influenced by Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series which unravels the tale of a WWII combat nurse who travels back in time to Scotland in 1743.  So I thought why can't we have time travelers visit us from the Baroque period?! Oh and we HAVE to have a harpsichord and dance the minuet!  Having all of these ideas in my head since last year, I really wasn't sure how to implement them in my piano studio.  Then I came across Leila Viss'  wonderful blog www.88pianokeys.me   Leila has everything laid out systematically and video examples to match.   My studio is continuing the Baroque unit into January and enjoying it.  I only wish more of my own students had attended the Festival.  Getting to play a harpsichord is a real treat.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Mia absolutely LOVED the harpsichord! Her precious face epitomizes the joy I have for music making and teaching!

The University of West Florida Music Teachers Association graciously helped us with making wigs out of empty toilet paper rolls!  The wigs became more elaborate throughout the afternoon!  My husband, Chris, and PMTA member, Ed Varela, spray painted the rolls the day before.

Lady Darcy and Elizabeth de la Guerre pose for the camera.

Now, no Baroque Festival is complete without a king!  Bill Dollarhide poses as King Louis XIV and graciously dressed in a full costume, designed and sewed just for him!