When musicologist, Lauren Pelon, visited ACS Cobham and Egham in early November to share her “Living Roots of

Music” program she demonstrated a rare talent in combining music with stories from ancient to modern times. Through her travels, Pelon has acquired over 150 musical instruments and brought 25 of these to ACS - some familiar, but others new to our students. One by one she picked them up and took the audience through a magical journey of musical history by performing on and telling the stories of each instrument.  “I am interested in learning about how our lives are rooted in music, connected across cultures.” said Pelon.  Her passion of music blended new technology with old world craftsmanship. 

The Minnesota resident intrigued and entertained the students in HS, MS and LS by playing instruments such as a rare concertina made in about 1850,  which she accompanied by singing in Italian,  a hurdy gurdy used by troubadours in France and Italy in the 12th century, accompanied by song in French, and an eagle bone flute used by native North Americans to call the spirits, and a beautifully carved Kiowa courting flute. Pelon cleverly incorported a MIDI pedal board, a new Japanese electronic wind instrument and other modern technologies giving a depth and vibrancy to her shows.  She even sampled her own voice with an instrument called  the “vocalist” which “sang” harmonies of a tradition African song. Another song she composed herself and accompanied on the guitar, “For a While” was a favourite with the audience.

"I thought she was a gifted performer and presenter. The scope and breadth of her knowledge was staggering, playing instruments from Shawm to lute (both killers to play) and from ancient music to modern  technology, throughout a wide selection of cultures.”, commented, Bill Noce, Lower School music teacher and a sponsor of the residency. Judging from the many thank you letters written by students and teachers, we hope to invite Lauren Pelon back to ACS next year.