Listen
LISTEN: HOW EVELYN GLENNIE, A DEAF GIRL, CHANGED PERCUSSION
by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Dial Books for Young Readers | 2022
This biography of Scottish-born Grammy Award-winning musician
Evelyn Glennie is full of onomatopoeia and rhythm, with vibrant,
swirling illustrations. This book explores not only the story of a
groundbreaking musician, but also what it means to truly listen. Evelyn Glennie was born into a family of musicians and played several instruments by an early age. When she began to lose her hearing at age 10, Evelyn struggled to comprehend the audiologist's news that she would never play music again. Thanks to supportive parents and the intuition of a music teacher, she discovered that when playing percussion she could feel the vibrations of sound move through her body. She pursued further schooling in music, and eventually became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world. This title presents many opportunities to explore sound and listening, and to learn more about the creativity and persistence of a fascinating artist who is still living and making music today.
Discussion questions
Onomatopoeia is a type of word that sounds like the sound it is describing. Can you find some examples of onomatopoeia throughout the book? Listen to the sounds around you- what are some onomatopoeia words you can think of to describe those sounds?
How does Evelyn hear sounds?
What does Evelyn mean when she says “Losing my hearing made me a better listener”?
How does air turn into sound? (For a great explanation from Evelyn Glennie, check out the back matter of the book.)
Vocabulary
Vibration: a continuous shaking movement or feeling
Resonate: to make a deep, clear sound that continues for a long time
Solo: a piece or passage of vocal or instrumental music for one performer
Video content
There are many videos of Evelyn Glennie demonstrating different percussion instruments on her YouTube channel, such as this one: Cymbal strips - The Evelyn Glennie Collection (YouTube, 2:08m)
An example of Evelyn Glennie doing a solo performance: Clapping Music | Steve Reich | arranged and performed by Evelyn Glennie (YouTube, 1:57m)
Evelyn Glennie playing as a soloist with a larger group Evelyn Glennie performs Concerto in C major RV 443, Mov 1 by Vivaldi (YouTube, 3:24m)
Another way to think about vibrations and sound. Sand art is made on a steel table using sounds. Japanese artist Kenichi Kanazawa manipulating sand on a steel tabletop. (YouTube, 2m)
Evelyn Glennie on Sesame Street, auditioning for Oscar the Grouch's band (YouTube, 3:35m)
Publisher content
Activities
Explore sound using everyday objects - Vermont Early Literacy Initiative’s STEM Activities
Make a drum with balloons and plastic containers How to Make Balloon Drums + FREE KONTAKT & SFZ SAMPLE LIBRARY (YouTube, 1:34m)
Listen to Evelyn Glennie’s music with your students. Try several different pieces, such as Flight of the Bumblebee, Caliban’s Dream, or the Mystery Express. Ask students to create images of what they are hearing by paying attention to color, line, shape, and patterns. Use markers, colored pencils, or watercolor.
In this interview with Shannon Stocker and Devon Holzwarth starting around 26:41, draw drums and their sounds with Devon Holzwarth. Read Along, Draw Along from Crayola Education (YouTube, 43:48m)
Shannon Stocker
Author
www.shannonstocker.com
Shannon Stocker is a writer, musician and actress who lives in Louisville, KY with her family. Her background in science, medicine and music, as well as personal experiences with serious illness, inspired her interest in writing for children with medical challenges or a love for music. Her other children’s books include Warrior: A Patient’s Courageous Quest and Can U Save the Day?
Devon Holzwarth
Illustrator
www.devonholzwarth.com
Devon Holzwarth was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Panama. She earned her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2000, where she focused on screen-printing and painting. She has written & illustrated Found You as well as Sophie’s Stories, winner of a Society of Illustrators gold medal award. She has illustrated and contributed to a number of other picture books including Everywhere With You- a Book Page best book of the year, The Story of a Book, Papa, Daddy, & Riley, All that is You, Drawn to Change the World, A Flicker of Hope, and Not Far From Here. She currently lives in Germany with her family.
Companion books
MOSES GOES TO A CONCERT
Isaac Millman
Square Fish, 1998
MAX FOUND TWO STICKS
Brian Pinkney
Aladdin, 1994
ZIN!ZIN!ZIN! A VIOLIN
Lloyd Moss,
illus. by Marjorie Priceman
Aladdin, 1994
THE LISTENING WALK
Paul Showers,
illus. by Aliki
HarperCollins, 1961