If you live in Oxford and have young kids, you must, must, must head to one of the fantastic cushion concerts that take place at the Jacqueline du Pre centre at St Hilda's. Introduced by Rozy and Mr Cello, the format involves some musicality games for young kids, followed by a different instrument each time.
This weekend's concert was a real treat: one-man band Tobias went way beyond the advertised drumming, giving an overview of music from across Africa on a variety of instruments.
The roomful of youngsters, ranging from a few months to around five years old, were eager to listen and to join in through dance. It's a format that really encourages children to engage with instruments and with music. From Tobias' entrance, playing the kalimba as he gently rocked into the room, the young audience was hooked.
Then it was time for the introduction to the four instruments on show: the kalimba, a box drum – with giant kalimba on the back, a guitar (yes, really) and a djembe. I'd gone along expecting the last of these: the others were a very pleasant surprise.
Tobias' fluency with a range of musical traditions and instruments from Western and Southern Africa was at the heart of the performance. The most complex part of the performance had him using both feet and arms to play a different instrument, as he led the audience in singing a round! Special mention should also go to the 'bottle and knife' player.
Small children must be one of the toughest audiences for a musician. Their reaction varies by child, hour, state of hunger and tiredness. Yet, Tobias kept their attention and engagement whilst still imparting detailed information about the origins of African instruments and music.
The 3 year old's verdict: It was great! I liked the big box with the kalimba on the side and two holes.