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‘Bob’ gives music a Sesame flavor
(by Katie Grasso - May 15, 2008)
Sesame Street has been an on-going children’s television show for 39 seasons. Childhood memories for most people include songs “Rubber Duckie” and “The People in Your Neighborhood” and silly characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. Teaneck’s very own Bob McGrath has been a part of the show from the beginning as the character “Bob, the music teacher”. Join him, along with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and some surprise local guests for a performance for the entire family on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.
McGrath has teamed up with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, a non-profit organization for 72 years in Teaneck. The orchestra is committed to promoting fine music to both children and adults and enhancing the musical life of Bergen County and surrounding areas. David Gilbert, music director and conductor of the orchestra, and McGrath met years ago and are happy to sign onto this project together.
“This is a terrific orchestra and I give them so much credit. They’ve been around for over 70 years and because they’re volunteer-based, I know how much they need the financial help and publicity. That’s why I thought it would be great to do something like this. The timing worked out well when I have a little bit more free time on my hands,” said McGrath.
The concert will take place in the Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 665 Teaneck Road, and will feature a highly interactive performance for parents, grandparents and children. Even though McGrath has been combining Sesame Street songs with orchestras for almost 40 years while touring the United States, this type of concert is unique to Teaneck, which will also involve township children. It is a great opportunity for people to hear and see a live symphony orchestra because many people might not have had the opportunity.
The show mixes childhood tunes with classical music, which makes it not only educational, but also entertaining. McGrath’s orchestral version of the “People In Your Neighborhood” is a delightful introduction to members of the Philharmonic, which is cleverly changed to “Orchestra in the Neighborhood”. They will also demonstrate their skills in an adaptation of Ravel’s “Bolero”. The audience will also be entertained with surprise guests. McGrath will be doing a “Meet and Greet” and the conclusion of the show for audience members.
“So many times I have parents coming up to me after a show to say that it was their first time seeing a live symphonic orchestra and that although unsure at first, they really wound up enjoying it!” says McGrath. “It’s a great way to also introduce children to the various instruments and orchestra sections. I think musical education is so crucial to children’s development and this is a great way to generate interest in the children and make it fun for them.”
Audience members will not only get the chance to hear Sesame Street music and a symphonic orchestra, but will also get to see “duckie dancers”, a frisky monkey character provided by the Creative Dance Art Center in Teaneck, as well as singers from Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Some of the middle school students will also be helping in the production of the concert. McGrath notes, “There will be a lot of audience interaction. It’s really a community-based event with so many different groups involved and I’m glad to help and be a part of it.”
McGrath has a long list of achievements throughout his career. He is a successful author, recording artist and concert performer. He has recorded seven CDs on his label, “Bob’s Kids Music”. He has received numerous awards including Parent’s Choice awards for his recordings, as well as many awards for his support of Music Education from MENC, the National Association of Music Educators and the National Music Council. McGrath is also a featured keynote speaker and workshop participant in many national Early Childhood Conventions.
McGrath and his wife Ann are proud Teaneck residents and have great affection for their hometown. “We originally were living in New York City, and some of our friends who already lived in town had recommended it to us after we had our second child,” McGrath remembers. Now, almost 30 years later McGrath and Ann have put all five of their children through the Teaneck School System and still remain in town to this day. Not only blessed with five children, the McGrath’s also have eight grandchildren and will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary June 14.
“Teaneck is really an amazing town. It’s such an open place that welcomes everyone and that is clear in the diversity of the population. It wasn’t like that everywhere 30 years ago,” McGrath comments. “It’s also an extremely active town, with organizations such as the Puffin Foundation, Teaneck Festival of Arts and the Teaneck Film Festival that do such a great job at promoting the arts,” he adds.
In fact, after attending a Teaneck Festival of Arts performance, McGrath has asked pianist Alex Collins to accompany him on stage for the upcoming concert. “All of these events serve to bring our neighbors together. It’s a nice sense of community,” McGrath says.
Visit the orchestra at www.bergenphilharmonic.org. Funding for this concert has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.
For more information on Bob McGrath, visit www.bobmcgrath.com.
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