InnerTuba plans to visit schools and children’s summer camps throughout the proposed Inner Tuba Tour from Midwest to Northwest USA. …… The information below will be valuable,now, to elementary school teachers, all school band directors and summer camp organisors all along the 3,000 mile journey ……

First up, never mind the quality – feel the fun ! InnerTuba chasing Megan Phillips, The Principal Teacher (and Unicyclist), at Jackson Elementary School, Louisiana, USA back in May ’23. A Priceless experience for everyone – thank you Megan for being such a sport !

Next, here are 2 endorsements from a US Elementary School Principals, received by InnerTuba soon after InnerTuba’s first performances in American schools on 18th and 20th April 2023.….

First Stop, Boothville-Venice Elementary School

Looking for something different and original to entertain your students and staff? You need to seek out  InnerTuba Mississippi River Tour 2023! On Tuesday, April 18^th, Boothville-Venice Elementary School, located at the southern tip of Louisiana, had the pleasure of experiencing the first ever USA school presentation by Mr. Jon Hodkin.  Mr. Hodkin, a resident of Scotland, took our students on a journey that included an introduction to his trusty trike and trailer in tow, as well as musical talent displayed on his shiny tuba. The students and staff were engaged, enjoying his presentation while clapping along to the beat. This one-man trike touring show was educational, entertaining, and fun for all.  We hope you enjoy your adventure, Mr. Hodkin, as much as we enjoyed being your very first stop in the United States! Ms Maria Prout (pictured below, far left, back), Principal, Boothville Venice Elementary School, Louisiana, USA

South Plaquemines Elementary School faculty, staff, and students had the pleasure of having Jon Hodkin as a special guest in April 2023. Jon Hodkin left his home in Scotland to embark on a self- supporting InnerTuba journey encompassing the length of the Mississippi River on a human propelled, recumbent trike towing a trailer. The InnerTuba River Tour is quite arduous, yet adventurous including playing his Tuba for audiences of all ages and sleeping in his tent under the stars.

One stop on his journey was South Plaquemines Elementary, a school located in closeproximity to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Mr. Hodkin, armed with his Tuba, Trike, and Trailer, pedaled his way right into the hearts of our faculty and students. The audience was mesmerized by his performance on the Tuba and the plethora of rich melodies that he shared as a Tuba Soloist. Mr. Hodkin brought an energy to the performance that engaged our students as young as three-years old. I appreciate how he played a plethora of pieces- several required interaction from the audience, while there were pieces that were calming even to the most active child. In addition, we do not have a music program at our school; therefore Mr. Hodkin’s performance was extra special. Mr. Hodkin also shared educational information about the pieces performed, exposed students to vocabulary such as composer and composition and shared stories about his cycling journey across America. Mr. Hodkin is clearly a talented and dedicated musician, who I highly recommend to young audiences as well as adults. His knowledge, musical talent, and InnerTuba experiences set him apart from many other acts, and I know your students will benefit greatly from his tutelage. Dr. Stacey-Ann Barrett,Principal, South Plaquemines Elementary School, Louisiana USA – pictured below.

Now let’s go back to the very beginning – a couple of quotes from pupils, going way back to the year 2000…

“I enjoyed it because I have a bike myself and thought that I could do it myself one day. It also encouraged me to ride for the rest of my life”. Christian Miles.

“Dear Mr Tuba Player.  Just a short letter to thank you very much for your performance. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I don’t think I will experiment with my skills quite to your depth, but I think its great that you are doing something you love and that you have gone out there and done what you wanted to do. Good luck for the future.  Thanks again”  Emma Wyld (Tuba player).

You can go here to read more endorsements.