Sticks and Tones

HENRY & MARIA

Maria and Henry Flurry of Sticks and Tones have performed in concert halls, schools, libraries, congregations, and with orchestras across the United States for two decades.

Maria plays percussion: anything you can tap, scrape, or shake (including water!) and melodious percussion like marimba and vibraphone. Henry plays piano and guitar.

Maria and Henry are each professionally educated classical musicians. Maria has performed both in front and in the back of orchestras all across the country and has released multiple award-winning CDs with her duo Harpbeat. Henry is an active composer of chamber and orchestral works, the founder of Arizona Philharmonic, and a member of the R&B band Doc Garvey's Remedy.

Both compose originals for their shows and in workshops with any age.

Together, they delight in harnessing their classical training to study the music of the world and bring it to audiences of all ages.

Sticks and Tones is a proud Program Facilitator of The Percussion Marketing Council, which generously helps sponsor our school and library programs. Maria is an Endorsed Artist with Black Swamp Percussion. Henry is an award-winning composer.

OUR SHOWS

From Bach to Blues

For Adults and Youth (Ages 12+) • Length: 60 or 90 minutes

Join Maria and Henry for a musical journey that blends the familiar with the unexpected. From classical pieces like “Ave Maria” to the soulful sounds of New Orleans and the vibrant rhythms of world music, this program transcends time and place.

The performance features original compositions by Henry, such as his whimsical piece inspired by Jasmine the cat, alongside unique instruments like the marimba, bodhrán, and even water. This is more than a concert—it’s a sensory experience that touches both heart and mind, leaving audiences inspired and captivated.

Coming to America: Songs Immigrants Have Taught Me

For Adults and Youth (Ages 12+) • Length: 60 or 90 minutes

Maria shares the compelling stories of friends who have journeyed to the United States in pursuit of their dreams. Through music and personal narratives, the diverse motivations and challenges faced by these immigrants come to life, offering a unique perspective on the American experience.

This program invites audiences to reflect on the freedoms and opportunities that define our nation, as seen through the eyes of those who have sought a new beginning here. It is a poignant reminder of the values that continue to draw people to America.

Where's the Light? A Winter Holiday World Tour

For Adults and Youth (Ages 12+) • Length: 60 or 90 minutes

In this engaging program, Maria and Henry present a musical exploration of winter holidays from around the world. Audiences will experience a rich tapestry of global traditions through music, song, and interactive elements. The program highlights the diverse ways people celebrate winter, including:

Hannukah
Diwali
Christmas
Winter Solstice

This multicultural journey is designed to entertain and educate, offering insights into the various cultural expressions of the winter season.

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

For Adults and Youth (Ages 12+) • Length: 60 or 90 minutes

In a program specially curated for Sticks and Tones’ most loyal listeners, this concert blends timeless classics with original compositions and lively folk tunes. The music spans cultures and centuries, offering a rich tapestry of sounds from both familiar and unexpected sources.

New and original works showcase the duo’s creative range, while other pieces borrow from a variety of musical traditions, adding a touch of whimsy and depth. The concert also invites the audience to join in on the fun, with moments designed for sing-alongs and shared joy.

As a special gift of gratitude, the evening is wrapped in blue notes and moments that bring the audience together, making this concert a true celebration of music old, new, borrowed, and blue.

Compose a Movie Theme

For Adults and School-Age (Ages 8+) • Length: 60 or 90 minutes

Sticks and Tones presents an interactive workshop that guides participants through the process of composing a movie theme. Whether you’re a student or an adult, this hands-on session introduces the fundamentals of music composition, including rhythm, harmony, melody, and orchestration. Participants will explore how these elements come together to create powerful, evocative music.

Through collaborative brainstorming and creative exercises, the group’s ideas are transformed into a full orchestral score in real-time, projected on a screen for everyone to see and hear. This immediate feedback loop allows participants to experience the excitement of their music coming to life.

The workshop can be expanded to include thematic educational components, enriching the composition process. Past workshops have led to live performances of the group’s compositions, offering a unique opportunity to see and hear their work performed by professional musicians.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Library and School Programs

From Preschool to Teens • Program Length Tailored

Sticks and Tones offers unique, interactive music programs that seamlessly blend education and entertainment, making them an ideal choice for libraries and schools looking to engage young audiences. With a focus on promoting literacy, historical knowledge, and cultural understanding, Maria and Henry Flurry bring stories to life through music, movement, and hands-on activities. Whether it’s encouraging early readers to illustrate a story with sound in "Lit Hits!" or exploring the Middle Ages through music and play in "Medieval Mischief," each program is designed to be both fun and educational, leaving a lasting impact on children of all ages.

Endorsed by educators and librarians alike, Sticks and Tones has a proven track record of captivating young audiences with their dynamic performances. Programs like "Plant a Seed, Read!" not only teach children about nature but also inspire creativity by making instruments from everyday items. With their expertise in music education and composition, Maria and Henry tailor each session to the needs and interests of their audience, ensuring a memorable experience that fosters a love for learning and music.

Click For Youth Programs

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