Violinist Glenn Donnellan, a member of the National Symphony Orchestra, is a connoisseur of fiddles from around the world, but none are revered more by children than his own creation, the Electric Slugger.
During his two “Follow That Fiddle!” concerts at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Thursday, audience members will be invited to make their own music on the Electric Slugger.
“It all began with the NSO kids concerts,” Donnellan said. “After being asked to play on an electric violin and make it sound like a guitar, it occurred to me that I could make one myself. Instead of making a fiddle from a huge piece of wood, I decided to make it from a regulation Louisville Slugger bat that I bought at Sports Authority.
| Onstage |
| ‘Follow That Fiddle!’ |
| Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas |
| When: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday |
| Info: $15 adults, $5 children; 888-945-2468; hyltoncenter.org |
“I drilled holes for strings and pegs and made a cross-cut slot so the bridge was recessed into the barrel of the bat. Because it’s not breakable, the children can have a hands-on experience. It’s been so successful that I’ve made and sold several Electric Sluggers that are now branded.”
Donnellan’s enthusiasm for sharing his love of music with children began during his school days. His mother, a string teacher, encouraged him to start Suzuki lessons early. By the time he reached junior high, he regularly visited and performed at elementary schools to encourage students to begin string classes in fourth grade. From his high school string quartet, he went to the University of Minnesota for a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance. Before joining the NSO, he was a professional freelance musician, playing with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera.
Donnellan is always excited to share his expertise with youngsters, whether presenting master classes and clinics for string classes, playing at schools and summer camps or at Orioles and Nationals games, where the Electric Slugger is always a hit. He looks forward to the Hylton concert and responding to the children’s comments during the Q&A segment at the close of the program.
“Kids can’t contain themselves when they like a show,” he said. “I like to get their juices flowing by showing them that anything, even a baseball bat, can become a fiddle. They love the tactile sense of making sounds on the Electric Slugger.”
