Children "Build Bridges" with Music at Roslyn Library

Many cultures and countries around the world have their own unique style of music and instruments. Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou brought her traveling program to Roslyn Library to teach children about the instruments and music from around the world.

Sticking with the library’s “One World, Many Stories” theme, Marmaluk-Hajioannou’s program “World Music for Children” included songs and instruments from Africa, Israel, Mexico and more.

With instruments scattered across the floor in front of her, Marmaluk-Hajioannouinvited the kids to play along with her while she sang songs. Marmaluk-Hajioannou explained where some of her “unusual” instruments come from and what they are made of.

One of her instruments was made from goat’s toenails and originated near the Andes Mountains, where she spent her teenage years, Marmaluk-Hajioannou said.

Another instrument was a simple wooden box that Marmaluk-Hajioannou explained was used as a drum by slaves whose instruments had been taken away.

Marmaluk-Hajioannou sang songs from around the world, singing in Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew and even a Native American language. She said she can sing in eight different languages.

One song she played came from South Africa and was about mothers going to the market to buy food. She had the kids participate by asking them about their favorites from the market to include in her song and added watermelon, pineapple and other fruits to her list.

Each time she played a song with a different instrument, she offered the kids and parents an opportunity to play the instrument.

Elizabeth Hyczko said her favorite instrument was the guitar. The 4-year-old said her favorite songs were “You Are My Sunshine” and “This Little Light of Mine,” because she knew them—which she demonstrated by singing a few lines.

Her mother, Jeanne, said she enjoyed the program and decided to come because she and her daughter both like music.

Librarian Celia Frankford said she thought the program went well. She said it was great because it was hands-on and the kids could really participate in the program.

Marmaluk-Hajioannou said that’s the wonderful thing about her program, it gives everyone a chance to dance or play along.

She said a lot of music today is more about its entertainment value and doesn’t invite listeners to join in. Marmaluk-Hajioannou said children miss this opportunity, and her program offers a chance for kids to join in with “low pressure and high fun.”

Marmaluk-Hajioannou, who’s been presenting her world music for kids for 15 years, said her program allows people to be curious in a positive way.

“Music is a nice way of building bridges,” Marmaluk-Hajioannou said.