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Classical Sprouts: 'Flowerpot Music'

Maria Tallchief dances in a ballerina costume.

Ever taken a walk and happened upon dozens of percussionists playing flowerpots?

Classical Sprouts host Kate Botello has, and she couldn't wait to tell you about it!

The percussionists she saw were students at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and Kate talked to their teacher, Director of Percussion Keith Aleo, to find our more about what they were playing.

The piece, which is simply called "Flowerpot Music," was written by composer Elliot Cole, and the only instruments required are flowerpots — the kind you'd have on your patio or porch.

"Any instrument that you strike is a percussion instrument," Keith said.

"Flowerpot Music" is very flexible; you can perform it with as many flowerpots as you want and for as long or as short as you'd like.

"We did a 30-minute performance, but you could do a 24-hour performance if you chose," Keith said.

Keith said the piece is about connection, both to the audience and to the earth.

"The key is that it is a flowerpot. It came from the earth and it is going to go back to the earth," he said.

Listen to the episode to hear what "Flowerpot Music" sounds like!

More music for flowerpots (with Caroline Shaw!):

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Classical Sprouts is produced by Emily Duncan Wilson. Kacie Brown is the digital content manager.

Kate Botello is a host and producer at Classical IPR.
Emily Duncan Wilson is IPR's digital content manager and is the producer of "Classical Sprouts" and "Kids Commute".