Students Build Marimba with Expert

Brent Holl, expert music educator, led the fifth grade class in building a marimba in music class this week under the direction of Joy Anderson, music teacher.

The marimba (/məˈrɪmbə/) is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with yarn or rubber mallets to produce musical tones. Resonators or pipes suspended underneath the bars amplify their sound.

“We are so fortunate to have someone of Brent’s caliber in our area, and that he is so generous with his time!” said Anderson.

Holl spent two days with the class in the EMS wood working shop where students learned to wear proper safety equipment, use tools and sand pieces of wood to the correct pitch, all while wearing COVID-precautionary masks and keeping physically distant.

Holl is the owner of Beatin’ Path Publications, leads workshops and teaches level courses in Orff Schulwerk (a developmental approach to music education), and conducts choral festivals for young choirs. He taught middle school general music and choir in Augusta County for 33 years. Brent is Orff certified from the University of Memphis and Hamline University. He currently teaches summer courses in Orff Schulwerk and is a national clinician and consultant in the areas of music education and children’s choirs.

The marimba will be used by the school for years to come.