Introduction
The chapter discusses the story of Evelyn Glennie, a musician who can perceive sound despite her deafness. She has achieved remarkable success as a percussionist, inspiring individuals with disabilities to pursue their passions. The text chronicles her early life, her challenges as a deaf musician, and her achievements in the music world. It further highlights her ongoing efforts to motivate aspiring musicians through her collaborations with young artists and global performances. Overall, the passage is a tribute to Evelyn Glennie's exceptional abilities and unwavering perseverance in overcoming physical obstacles to accomplish her goals.
About Evelyn Glennie
Evelyn Glennie is a name synonymous with groundbreaking music. As a percussionist, she has redefined what it means to be a musician, despite being profoundly deaf since the age of 12. Her ability to listen to sound without hearing it is a unique gift that has captured the world's attention. In this article, we look closely at her remarkable life and career.
Early Life and Struggles
Evelyn Glennie was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1965. She was an active child who loved music and started playing the piano at the age of eight. At the age of 12, she began to lose her hearing due to a nerve condition. Despite this setback, she continued to pursue her passion for music, focusing on percussion instruments.
Glennie's family supported her musical ambitions, but she faced numerous challenges as a deaf musician. She had to rely on her ability to feel vibrations to play music, a technique known as "hearing through the body." She also had to learn how to lip-read and work closely with her fellow musicians to stay in sync during performances.
Career and Achievements
Despite her obstacles, Evelyn Glennie's talent and determination propelled her to the music industry's top. She became the first full-time solo percussionist in 20th-century Western society. She has since performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.
In addition to her work as a performer, Glennie has advocated for music education and developed numerous educational programs for young people. She has received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to music, including the Polar Music Prize and the Order of the British Empire.
Impact and Legacy
Evelyn Glennie's impact on the music world cannot be overstated. Her unique approach to percussion and ability to hear music through her body have inspired countless musicians and music lovers worldwide. She has shattered the notion that deafness is a limitation and has shown that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
Conclusion
Evelyn Glennie's life and career are a testament to the power of music and the human spirit. Despite facing significant challenges, she persevered and succeeded, inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers. While the text could benefit from a deeper exploration of her personal experiences, it provides a comprehensive overview of her achievements and impact on the music industry. Evelyn Glennie is a true pioneer, and her legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians.
Thinking About The Text
I. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each.
1. How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?
Answer. Evelyn was seventeen years old when she went to the Royal Academy of Music in London.
2. When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?
Answer. Evelyn's deafness was first noticed when she was eight year old and was waiting to play the piano and when they called her name she didn't move. It was confirmed by she was eleven years old and her marks deteriorated and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist.
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (30-40 words).
1. Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say?
Answer. Percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential and helped her continue with music. He began by tuning two large drums to different notes and asked Evelyn to not use her ears to listen but instead try feeling it with some other part of her body. Forbes repeated this exercise, and soon Evelyn discovered that she could feel the vibrations in her other body parts.
2. Name the various places and the causes for which Evelyn performs.
Answer. Apart from regular concerts, Evelyn also gives free concerts in prisons and hospitals. She also gives high priority to classes for young musicians.
III. Answer the questions in two or three paragraphs (100 - 150 words).
1. How does Evelyn hear music?
Answer. When percussionist Ron Forbes asked Evelyn to try and sense the music some other way, and she tried and soon realised that she could feel the vibrations of the higher drum from the waist up and the lower one from the waist down. She explains that music pours in through every part of her body. It tingles in the skin, her cheekbones and even in her hair. On a wooden platform, she removes her shoes so that the vibrations pass through her bare feet and up her legs.
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