Finn-Am Choir at Naselle's Finnish American Folk Festival

The Finnish American Folk Festival of Naselle is enthusiastic about our very own . . .

Kantele Kids

Naselle schoolchildren from Barbara Swanson’s elementary music classes now have a chance to learn to play five- & ten-string kanteles — and even join a performing group. Master Kantele player Wilho Saari visits the elementary classes several times a week at least two months of the year to teach these children. With this innovative program, we hope the kantele tradition will pass on to the next generation!

We hope you appreciate the effort that our “Kantele Kids” put into their music as much as we do.

Naselle Marimbas

Why would Naselle Schools have a marimba band playing Caribbean music? What are these instruments, which may have originated with the Shona of Zimbabwe, doing here at a Finnish-American Folk Festival?

A few years ago, the Naselle School District adopted these instruments as ones that students could learn quickly. The happy energy, tempo, and showmanship captivated our young people, stretching them to learn new, energetic, and challenging rhythms.

And we in Naselle value our children . . . wherever they are appearing or performing. So we are proud to present our own students, asking our audiences to stretch and relax, enjoying the students’ energy, enthusiasm, and joy of life. The Naselle Marimba Band, under the direction of teacher Dave King and assisted by Karen Nelson, has earned regional and state honors. Although they play “Yellow Bird” more often than “Dear Land of Home” by Sibelius, King has transcribed and included Finnish folk songs, surely a first for a marimba band.

King says, “The students find it easy to start on marimbas, learning the rhythms and discovering that music is fun. They do not have to be able to read music, so can come in at a more basic level. They can transfer these skills to other music such as a traditional band or choir.”

The band specializes in Zimbabwean and [Caribbean] “Island” style music. The band is comprised of Naselle students from grades 5-12 and also a group from the Naselle Youth Camp. The band travels widely and is well received at the Puyallup State Fair “Spring Fling,” several cruise lines docking in Astoria, in Olympia and the Tacoma Dome and many area community events.

Dave King is the music instructor at Naselle. He has been instrumental (yes, pun intended; sorry) in making the Naselle Marimba Band a phenomenon known throughout Western Washington. Their lively performances have graced large festivals and also livened up community celebrations.

Dave is also a trumpet player who leads the alumni band at ball games. He also performs solo. At this festival he teams up with Ed Downs for at least one event.

The Finnish-American Folk Festival presents:

	Naselle, Washington	Knee Deep in Finns Finn Am Jams Events to mark on your calendar Local dining & lodging Suomi & America
	The Finnish American Folk Festival of Naselle is enthusiastic about our very own . . . Kantele Kids Naselle schoolchildren from Barbara Swanson’s elementary music classes now have a chance to learn to play five- & ten-string kanteles — and even join a performing group. Master Kantele player Wilho Saari visits the elementary classes several times a week at least two months of the year to teach these children. With this innovative program, we hope the kantele tradition will pass on to the next generation! We hope you appreciate the effort that our “Kantele Kids” put into their music as much as we do. Naselle Marimbas Why would Naselle Schools have a marimba band playing Caribbean music? What are these instruments, which may have originated with the Shona of Zimbabwe, doing here at a Finnish-American Folk Festival? A few years ago, the Naselle School District adopted these instruments as ones that students could learn quickly. The happy energy, tempo, and showmanship captivated our young people, stretching them to learn new, energetic, and challenging rhythms. And we in Naselle value our children . . . wherever they are appearing or performing. So we are proud to present our own students, asking our audiences to stretch and relax, enjoying the students’ energy, enthusiasm, and joy of life. The Naselle Marimba Band, under the direction of teacher Dave King and assisted by Karen Nelson, has earned regional and state honors. Although they play “Yellow Bird” more often than “Dear Land of Home” by Sibelius, King has transcribed and included Finnish folk songs, surely a first for a marimba band. King says, “The students find it easy to start on marimbas, learning the rhythms and discovering that music is fun. They do not have to be able to read music, so can come in at a more basic level. They can transfer these skills to other music such as a traditional band or choir.” The band specializes in Zimbabwean and [Caribbean] “Island” style music. The band is comprised of Naselle students from grades 5-12 and also a group from the Naselle Youth Camp. The band travels widely and is well received at the Puyallup State Fair “Spring Fling,” several cruise lines docking in Astoria, in Olympia and the Tacoma Dome and many area community events. Dave King is the music instructor at Naselle. He has been instrumental (yes, pun intended; sorry) in making the Naselle Marimba Band a phenomenon known throughout Western Washington. Their lively performances have graced large festivals and also livened up community celebrations. Dave is also a trumpet player who leads the alumni band at ball games. He also performs solo. At this festival he teams up with Ed Downs for at least one event. More music at the festival: finnam.naselle.net/2008/music/.