| "DOBBS” has captivated audiences all around the world with his “ONE MAN SHOW.” “DOBBS” is Richard Hartshorne, internationally- known double bass virtuoso, storyteller, and composer. The school concert is a chance for young children to meet a creative artist up close. Playing a movement or two from the J.S. Bach 6 Suites a Violoncello Solo, as originally written, Dobbs gradually draws the children in to the incredible sound world of the bass. To feel the resonance and depth of that great instrument you must be in the same room with it. Explaining the theory of string instruments and vibrations, he capitalizes on their fascination to share an amazing amount of information. The kids ask questions excitedly. Keeping their interest high, Dobbs next picks up another double bass and has them figure out what’s different about it. When they can’t wait to hear this new one he plays one of his original works for narrator (himself) and bass. At this point the kids are helpless with laughter, amazed that someone so serious about music can be so silly. |
Elementary School Concerts
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Although these pieces delight children, they were written for people of all ages and
have been performed for large adult audiences around the world in many languages.
After more questions the concert concludes with the monumental work “Godzilla and
the Slipper” for bass, narrator, synthesized orchestra (via CD recording) as well as an
unbelievable prop.
Except in the case of smaller schools (under 100 pupils) it is not recommended to mix
K,1,2 with 3,4,5 and up. Dobbs brings all his own equipment and needs about a half
hour to set up. Concerts last about 45 minutes and can be scheduled with 15 minutes
in between. Obviously the smaller the group the more intimate and personal the
experience. Often schools take advantage of the fact that this music and these stories
also appeal to adults by inviting parents to come to the programs.
have been performed for large adult audiences around the world in many languages.
After more questions the concert concludes with the monumental work “Godzilla and
the Slipper” for bass, narrator, synthesized orchestra (via CD recording) as well as an
unbelievable prop.
Except in the case of smaller schools (under 100 pupils) it is not recommended to mix
K,1,2 with 3,4,5 and up. Dobbs brings all his own equipment and needs about a half
hour to set up. Concerts last about 45 minutes and can be scheduled with 15 minutes
in between. Obviously the smaller the group the more intimate and personal the
experience. Often schools take advantage of the fact that this music and these stories
also appeal to adults by inviting parents to come to the programs.
Background: Early in his career, Dobbs taught at the National Conservatory in Bolivia.
After three years, he moved to Costa Rica and was one of the designers of their free
youth music program, still a model for youth programs around the world. Returning to
the US in 1973, he began 30 years as bassist with the Apple Hill Chamber Players and
faculty member of the Apple Hill Summer Festival. For five years during that time, he
directed the federally funded Young Musicians Development Program for the gifted
and talented, which he designed and modeled on the Costa Rican program. Dobbs has
played in over 50 New Hampshire schools numerous times, as well as schools in
Israel, Ireland, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Palestine and Afghanistan, where he performs his
pieces in the indigenous languages.
After three years, he moved to Costa Rica and was one of the designers of their free
youth music program, still a model for youth programs around the world. Returning to
the US in 1973, he began 30 years as bassist with the Apple Hill Chamber Players and
faculty member of the Apple Hill Summer Festival. For five years during that time, he
directed the federally funded Young Musicians Development Program for the gifted
and talented, which he designed and modeled on the Costa Rican program. Dobbs has
played in over 50 New Hampshire schools numerous times, as well as schools in
Israel, Ireland, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Palestine and Afghanistan, where he performs his
pieces in the indigenous languages.