The Sillyville Drummer... a Kodak Moment.

The Sillyville Drummer... a Kodak Moment.

I was at the Puyallup Fair on the last day this year, September 26, 2010. The weather was “iffy” to say the least and we did have a couple of showers. We saw a few patches of blue sky but for most of the day it was overcast, which has its pluses and minuses when you’re taking photographs.

Late in the afternoon I ventured into Sillyville, an area of the Fair just for kids. I could hear this amazing banging noise that was now louder than the cacophony of sound around me. I followed the noise and came upon this huge Sound Sculpture surrounded by kids.

I was so impressed how special it was that this sculpture had nothing to do with computers, electricity, or technology. Yet, it was a kid magnet and they were having a blast. Nobody had to explain what to do. They didn’t have to be a certain size or age. Just walk up, grab a pair of drum sticks, and join in the fun. Big kids and little ones were all in it together. A couple of Dad’s walked up to it with toddlers in their arms. It was just so cool, the little one's had to check it out too!

The Sillyville Drummer... a Kodak Moment.

It was truly a chance music happening and there were no wrong notes. Some of the kids were really characters and it was fun watching them let loose and clown around. Essentially unsupervised, they were all having a wonderful time sharing, exploring, and playing off each others improvised noise making. I had to laugh to myself thinking of all the time and money I spent studying ‘new and experimental music’ by the modern masters back in college, and here it was spontaneous, new, and happening right before me. I imagined John Cage listening with a big smile of approval.

The Kodak Moment for me was capturing the look on this boy’s face. He was laying down the groove, in the zone and truly exemplified the spirit of what was taking place in the moment.

This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera

To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain.