The Sound of Music -Evelyn Glennie

 Thinking about the Text (Page 20) 

 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? 

 Evelyn was seventeen years old when she went to the Royal Academy of Music.

 2. When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed? 

 Evelyn's deafness was first noticed at age 8 when her mother saw she wasn't responding in piano class, and it was confirmed by age 11 after a specialist diagnosed her with progressive nerve damage. 

 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? 

 Ron Forbes, a percussionist, played a crucial role in helping Evelyn continue with music. Recognizing her potential, he encouraged her to "feel" vibrations rather than rely on hearing. He tuned two large drums to different notes and asked her to sense the sound through her body, saying, “Don’t listen through your ears, try to sense it some other way.” This breakthrough helped Evelyn realize she could perceive music through vibrations, allowing her to overcome her disability and pursue her passion.

 2. Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs.

 Evelyn Glennie performs in various places and for different causes. As a renowned percussionist, she performs in concert halls worldwide, captivating audiences despite her hearing impairment. She also plays for charity events in prisons and hospitals and for workshops, inspiring young musicians. Her performances highlight her determination to overcome challenges and her deep passion for music, making her a global icon.

 III. Answer the question in two or three paragraphs (100-150 words). 

 1. How does Evelyn hear music? 

 Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist, hears music in a unique way despite being profoundly deaf. She lost her hearing at the age of 11 but learned to perceive sound through vibrations in her body. Instead of relying on her ears, she feels the musical notes by sensing vibrations in different parts of her body. It pours in through every part of her body. It tingles in her skin, cheekbones and even in her hair. When she plays the xylophone, she can sense the sound passing up the stick into her fingertips. By leaning against the drums, she can feel the resonances flowing into her body. Glennie often performs barefoot to better feel the vibrations passing through the floor. She has mastered the art of interpreting these vibrations, enabling her to play complex musical pieces with precision. Her deep connection with music goes beyond traditional hearing, proving that sound is not just heard but also felt. Through determination and practice, she has broken barriers, inspired millions showing that disabilities do not limit one’s potential in the world of music.