We've all heard of petting zoos, but an instrument petting zoo is a new one on us.
It's all part of an effort to promote the West Ferris section of the city.
A music store on Lakeshore is hosting its summer “Instrument Petting Zoo” on July 15 as part of the Ferris Fun Day.
‘Ever wanted to try a saxophone, tuba, banjo, or ukulele?" asks James Miles, the local Long and McQuade store manager.
"The concept is for people young and old to drop in and try out an instrument before buying or taking music lessons. We’re always looking to bring the joy of learning and making music as accessible as possible.
“We’ve always had a lot of success in bringing the whole family out to try an instrument. I’m not sure who has more fun, the kids or the parents!”
The Instrument petting zoo starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 and is co-sponsored by the Ferris Business Network and the Big Brother/Big sisters of North Bay.
In anticipation of your participation, BayToday has compiled a list of the easiest and hardest instruments to learn. It's subjective of course, but here goes.
Easiest Musical Instruments to Play:
1. Tambourine - The tambourine is a percussion instrument that is played by shaking or striking it with your hand. It is easy to play and can add a fun, rhythmic element to any song.
2. Guiro - The guiro is a percussion instrument that is played by rubbing a stick or a scraper along its ridges. It is a simple instrument that can add a unique sound to any song.
3. Ukulele - The ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument that is relatively easy to learn due to its simple chord structure and compact size.
4. Harmonica - The harmonica is a small, handheld instrument that can be played by simply blowing into it and moving it around to create different sounds.
5. Bongos - Bongos are a type of hand drum that can be played by striking them with your hands. They are relatively easy to play and require minimal setup.
Hardest Musical Instruments to Play:
1. Harp - The harp is a large, complex instrument that requires a great deal of skill to play. It has a wide range of notes and requires both hands to be used independently.
2. Violin - The violin is a difficult instrument to learn due to its complex fingerings and the need for precise bowing technique. It can take years of practice to master.
3. Bagpipes - The bagpipes are a complex instrument that requires a great deal of skill to play. They have a unique sound and require a great deal of practice to master.
4. Piano - The piano is a complex instrument that requires both hands to be used independently. It can take years of practice to master the technique needed to play complex pieces.
5. Drums - The drums are a complex percussion instrument that require a great deal of coordination and technique to play. They require both hands and both feet to be used independently, and can be physically demanding to play for extended periods of time.
