“Why are the triplets all girls?” was a question from a child. Without knowing it, the question was pondering whether Stave House was stereotypical, but of course the only thing stereotypical was the question itself!
“How do you know they are all girls I asked?” I think they may be all boys wearing pink headbands.
“But they have eyelashes” she replied.
I pointed out that not only girls wear eye make up and most people if doing something theatrical have to wear stage make up – so perhaps they were in a show?
Reflecting on this short exchange with one of my pupils, really drove home to me just how adaptable Stave House is. As so many changes are emerging in today’s society, the method embraces diversity and is a safe place for both the characters and young musicians to explore whoever they want to be.
With characters introducing us to cultures from all over the world, (Father Crochet loves reggae, Celia the Centipede loves to dance latino style, Amos the Ant spends most of his time in Africa etc), there is nothing that can’t be celebrated through Stave House storytelling. This is why teachers find it fits in so well with cross curricular teaching.
The Bee character encourages self-esteem through teaching children to ‘bee themselves’. Pupils are taught about friendships, tolerance and understanding by watching how the characters living in the lower rooms of Stave ‘House’, have to put up with Elaine the elephant stomping away at the top.
All these themes are important for young people and so much easier to take on through engaging songs and watching the characters they know and love.
So what has any that got to do with music I hear you ask? Music has the ability to antagonise, to incite, to irritate, but more importantly it has a marvellous ability to bring peace and wellbeing, a sense of togetherness, community, acceptance and belonging.
Stave House is the most flexible resource you will ever find in your classroom. What other music method can teach academic requirements at the same time as providing a vehicle through which to explore social issues? Regardless of gender, ethnicity or social environment – everyone ‘belongs’ in Stave House.
Ruth Travers, Founder Stave House