Music, Cycling & Educational Performances for Children
InnerTuba began presenting in schools 25 years ago, in the UK.
My first opportunity to present in schools overseas was during the InnerTuba Mississippi River Tour ’23.
Over the years I have presented to all kinds of pupils in all kinds of locations. From very remote and rural villages to big inner city schools, to more, and to less, privileged children. Also, to children gifted with a vast array of skill levels, educational attainments, and learning needs.
I’ve learned not to be too prescriptive about what I offer to schools. Engaging with a small group of home schooled children in a family house is, of course, a totally different experience from presenting to, say, four hundred 5 to 11 year olds in an inner city school hall.
As such, it’s optimal to find a “best fit” between a school and InnerTuba in advance of a visit. Whilst InnerTuba can offer presentations suited to most situations, teachers know better their pupils, staffing levels, availability of time, space, and so on. InnerTuba can, and will, collaborate with them toward creating a great experience, for both pupils and staff, at their school.
These U.S. school testimonials back up the claim!
Here are 2 endorsements from Elementary School Principals, received by InnerTuba soon after the first performances in U.S. schools, on 18 and 20 April, 2023.
Boothville-Venice and South Plaquemines Elementary Schools, Louisiana.
“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, Boothville-Venice Elementary School,>/mark> 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 close proximity 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, 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!
“As a retired high school band director from Wisconsin, USA and an avid recumbent trike rider, I had the privilege of spending some weeks traveling with Jon Hodkin on the InnerTuba Mississippi River Tour ’23. I experienced his presentations for school audiences at all age levels — pre-school, elementary school, middle school, high school, and university. He is adept at tailoring presentations to any audience, whether it is for a school-wide audience or a group of band students. Jon brings joy through music, combining exquisite musicianship with compelling storytelling. By any definition, InnerTuba is an educator par excellence. He is a gift”. — Nick White, Wisconsin, USA.
Thanks to Nick White for his endorsement above. He collaborated with InnerTuba at this and other school appearances in Bemidji, Minnesota, USA. Everyone enjoyed our ICE Trikes circuits!
Now, let’s return to the very beginning. Here’s 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).
“Although Tubas, Tricycles and Trailers may seem like an unlikely combo, it certainly was a hit with our Nursery children during their special Music week.
Mr Jon Hodkin of ‘InnerTuba’ spent a couple of days with our Nursery children bringing his interactive cycle powered musical performance to life. The children loved listening to Jon play his Tuba and various other innovative ‘instruments’ including a garden hose pipe! The children enjoyed clapping, marching and dancing about to the music, drawing pictures of the ‘Tuba Man’ and they loved seeing him on his tricycle (with travelling trailer) outside.
A big thank you to Jon the ‘Tuba Man’ for bringing such a unique and fun experience to our children and staff, we can’t wait to have you back again in the near future!” Laura Darby, Marketing Dept, Warwick Preparatory School, Warwickshire, England, 2015.
Do you want InnerTuba to visit your schools?
Be you from a U.S. School or Summer Camp somewhere along the proposed InnerTuba Midwest to Northwest USA Tour route, or if you represent a school anywhere here in the UK, your call to action is: