The magic of Godin’s Merlins takes hold of youngsters
They happened by chance and have been meeting on a casual basis to jam and share music together since 2013. The Random Chance Band plays for fun and have 20 fundraising events under their belts. May 12 will mark their 21st event and the musicians are hoping that people will come out to rock ‘n roll at Auberge Lakeview in support of “Instruments for Kids.”
Since they united to play music, The Random Chance Band has raised upwards of $20,000 with recipients such as the Brome County Historical Society, Breast Cancer Foundation, the Sutton Library, cancer research, the Sutton Little League, CIDI radio, and several other causes. Speaking for the band, Sutton resident John Hawley says that fundraising is in the DNA of everyone in the group.
On May 12 they will be rocking and rolling at Auberge Lakeview in Knowlton. This will be the band’s third time raising funds for “Instruments for Kids,” an organization founded by popular songbird, musician, actress, comedienne, and playwright Laura Teasdale, who is also a teacher. The organization serves to support music programs in local schools.
“In the past we have been able to even collect donations from people who would not be attending,” said Hawley, who is the rhythm guitarist. “We are hoping that we will have the same kind of response. This particular cause is dear to our hearts because we are all musicians. Music is a part of our being. We want to give kids the opportunity to experience it by learning to play at an early age.”
The group is hoping to be able to cover the cost of purchasing ukuleles, child-sized guitars, and Merlins. Hawley says that they want to buy the instruments locally.
For anyone unfamiliar with a Merlin, Hawley says that it is a very portable and compact four-string diatonic acoustic instrument that is simply fun and easy to play and has no bad notes. Some say it is like a cross between a dulcimer and a guitar. Others say it is like the union between a banjo and a mandolin. It was designed to introduce and stimulate anyone, no matter what age, to the joy of creating and playing music.
It is based on full tones. Kids can learn to play it easily and be able to play a melody quickly. Designed by a Quebecer, Robert Godin, a celebrated guitar maker and produced in La Patrie, Hawley says that they are particularly happy to be supporting domestic products while encouraging students to participate in the world of music.
Tickets are $10 at the door or call John Hawley: 450-538-5452 or Chris Ward: 514432-1473.