Violinist Geoffrey Castle puts the violin back on center stage with virtuoso showmanship and a 21st century style. Violin Rocks! Rockstars Do Homework! is a musical assembly that will forever change students’ misconceptions of what is possible with a violin, and within themselves, while giving them a new perspective on the dynamic history of the ORIGINAL lead instrument.
Empower students to dream big and to fearlessly act upon big ideas.
Geoffrey Castle uses his unique abilities and experiences to communicate to students a message of self-motivation and using education as an avenue to achieving one’s dreams. i.e. Rockstars Do Homework! Students become empowered to have big dreams and to have the courage to act upon big ideas.
Experience the evolution of this classical instrument to the era of the 21st century.
Though originating in Italy, there are traditions of playing the violin from all over the world. Geoffrey brings students on a journey exploring the different cultures from which various genres of music have been sourced throughout history, including Celtic, Middle-Eastern, Bluegrass, Classical, and Rock genres. The difference between an electric and an acoustic violin, and the difference between a fiddle and a violin are discussed.
Suitable for all ages, and designed for maximum entertainment!
This presentation combines musical performance and opportunities for student interaction and participation to engage and inspire!
In addition to school assemblies, workshops and small classroom presentations are also available. All presentations emphasize self motivation and the use of school and education as a resource to achieving goals and dreams.
Workshops:
With the school orchestra: in a one class period workshop Geoffrey walks students through the different equipment he uses to make his music. He also discusses techniques and practice strategies for students who want to move into improvised and/or electric music on string instruments. This presentation is designed to be an informal question-and-answer session, with lots of opportunities for student interaction.
Classroom Presentation:
Through a show-and-tell and question-and-answer format, students learn what it is like to be a professional musician, and how education enables Geoffrey to be a successful musician and composer.
Credits:
"Don't mess with the fiddle man" Bruce Springsteen
"One of the finest musicians I have ever had the pleasure to play with" Alan White (YES, the drummer for John Lennon!)
Geoffrey also played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in North Carolina with members of Tower of Power, Yes, The Hooters, Queen, and Debbie Gibson.