Accordian adventures

Polka music for the ‘pint-sized’ used as teaching tool

Accordian polka music for the “pint-sized” (a.k.a. young readers participating in the 2015 Summer Reading Program at Mountain Lake Public Library) was used as a teaching tool by the visiting Mike Schneider of “Pint-Size Polkas” during an event on Monday afternoon, June 29.

The special program featured Schneider on the accordian leading in learning – the alphabet, numbers, occupations, personal hygiene, foreign languages and dance steps.

According to Schneider, “I was just five-years-old when I heard polka music for the first time. The performer was America’s Polka King, Frankie Yankovic –  and it was love at first sound. Polka music is the happiest form of music on the face of the earth.”

Schneider’s vision is to help young people discover the good, clean fun that can be experienced with polka music.

The program was funded with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage.

Below is a photo gallery from Monday afternoon’s polka fest:

 

 

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MIKE SCHNEIDER FILLED the spectrum of accordian polka music right down to his lederhosen.

 

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WITH BOUNCE AND bountiful energy, “Pint-Size Polkas'” Mike Schneider led the young readers in a lesson – they were learning and didn’t even know it.

 

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BRAYDEN STEWART DEMONSTRATED his “Chicken Dance” moves.

 

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WITH HER RED-and-black plaid wool hat, Kiera Welch imitated a lumberjack.

 

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RIGHT DOWN TO “sawing” a “log” with Schneider (and his accordian’s special sound effects).

 

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WITH HARLAN MUNNING and Alana Morey leading, at right in photo, the young readers danced to the selection, “Hands and Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” In addition, those attending the event even learned to yodel like the pros.

 

 

 

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