A child at heart

ALL TOGETHER—Children’s educational performer Andy Germain, also known as Andy Glockenspiel, leads a group in song at the Calabasas Library last week. Glockenspiel hails from Calabasas. For information about future library events, call (818) 225-7616. Children at Calabasas Library were treated to a performance last week by popular kids’ entertainer Andy Glockenspiel

The Calabasas native combines the nurturing of children with his musical skills—he writes songs, sings, and plays guitar and the glockenspiel.

Born Andrew Germain, he earned a songwriting scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned his bachelor’s of music in 1992.

After graduation, Germain’s love for children lead him to teach music and other subjects in 15 different schools in five different states for more than 10 years. He also served as a camp counselor for 13 years.

Germain changed his stage name to Andy Glockenspiel and in 2000 began to teach private music lessons for the preschoolaged children of celebrities Jane Seymour, Paul Reiser and Kenny G.

In 2001 Glockenspiel completed his first record for children ages 2 to 5, “It’s Your Day.” He played approximately 70 shows in New York and Los Angeles to promote his album. During this time the musician performed at Manhattan’s “Lighthouse International,” a school for recently blinded children.

In response to the 9/11 tragedy, he produced a concert with the Family Resolution Center of Sherman Oaks at the Santa Monica Place Mall.

“After losing both of my parents to terminal illnesses, (father— multiple sclerosis, mother—cancer), I realized that children will come into contact with weighty life challenges,” said Glockenspiel.

“Whether these challenges come to them directly from their own families, or a friend’s family, it is absolutely essential that we nurture the character and emotional intelligence of children. My experience has prepared me to help nurture the whole child. I’ve been involved with children’s character education for over 15 years now. It’s what I can do to help. It really is about service to the world community.”

Glockenspiel’s new pop/rock album for 5 to 8 year olds, “Excuse Me?” digs deeper into emotional intelligence.

His shows combine improvised comedy, energy and edutainment songs.

Glockenspiel will begin a nationwide tour of children’s hospitals beginning in March. He is scheduled to perform at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles on March 26.

For more information, visit www.andyglockenspiel.com.

For information about Calabasas Library events, call (818) 225-7616.

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