Kids Reaction to Steel Guitars !!!!!!!

Ed Naylor · Post by **Ed Naylor** » 8 Mar 2003 2:02 pm

Yesterday I went to my sister's kindergarten class and did a couple hours of "Steelin" with the "Little Ones". I had a couple lap steels and a Small pedal steel. One o f the first responses was "AWSOME" and "COOL" . As I started playing one yelled 'COUNTRY" I let them all hold the bar and "Strum" and sit and play with the Pedals. They all had a great time and were very attentive. They loved to move the bar as I "Thumbpicked" More later. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 8 Mar 2003 4:25 pm

Most kids love music, and if given a chance to get some "hands on" with an instrument without getting yelled at, they'll be all over it. You did a good thing and may have sparked an interest that will keep them coming back for more. Your time was well spent.

slick · Post by **slick** » 8 Mar 2003 6:41 pm

I have two grandaughters who come to visit every weekend.They take turns sitting at my steel pushing pedals and knee levers and sliding the bar up and down the neck.They are facinated with my steel and when i play for them the sparkle in their eyes is something to behold.I may have a couple of future steelers here.What a great thought.

Wayne Broyles

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 9 Mar 2003 10:57 am

Tommy Cass sat me at his PSG when I was a kid and I never forgot it. After 30 years of Dobro and some lapsteel I am getting my Sho-Bud over here soon And Tommy is doing the setup and mainataince for me. Full circle. So playing for the lil'uns and giving them hands on definitely is a very cool thing. Who knows where those little seeds will sprout! Go Ed.

Ed Naylor · Post by **Ed Naylor** » 9 Mar 2003 2:58 pm

I do this quite often at schools, Retirement centers,Handicap schools. I will be doing one this Wed. in Cincinnati area. I am more interested in doing these things than playing "Gigs".I am heavily involved in trying to get people involved in the trying to get amimal shelters etc. going. This is also a "Publicity Opportunity" to use the Steel Guitar to have people get knowledge of these "Sittin' Banjo's " as I have heard them called. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works

Ted Solesky · Post by **Ted Solesky** » 10 Mar 2003 9:58 am

Ed, great idea! The kids will never forget that sound. Letting them play around on the guitar is a great idea. You may have to have a few toys (gadgets) like the chorus or fuzz to show them it can do some guitar sounds too. I think it may turn some of them into steel pickers eventually - we hope.

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 10 Mar 2003 11:27 am

There's a demonstrative lesson for those lamenting "the decline of pedal steel". Instead of whining, Ed's found a way to try and do something about it.

Bob Hayes · Post by **Bob Hayes** » 10 Mar 2003 4:48 pm

I'll be going to my daughter's 1 grade class within the next few weeks to show of my "talents". The school has invited parents with musical abilities...to share those abilities in the class room. I will bring my Carter D12..and try to play a little as well as explain how it works and the history of the Pedal Steel Guitar. This is an extrodinary chance to spread the "news" of the Pedal Steel Guitar..and hopefully some of these young people will eventually get involved with this great musical instrument.
GV