Tunes and tales from another time

From now on, when I hear the phrase, “make learning fun,” I will think of Gary.

Changing the scenery, getting out of the classroom, and being directly involved and hands-on are all great methods for encouraging students’ interest and participation. Gary Eller, aka "Slim," created the perfect environment to see this in action. At Farmin-Stidwell Elementary, I witnessed how engaged students are when they are excited and challenged, but also how much they retain when they enjoy what and how they are learning.

Gary curated the "Idaho Songs of the Early Panhandle" program as he sought to write and share local stories that may have otherwise been lost in history. He has spent more than a decade developing and sharing the program across our state and has compiled roughly 200 historically rooted songs of our region. Most of the songs were unearthed as old sheet music and had never been recorded until Eller brought them back to life.

Eller’s performance is one to be shared and seen by many, including our youth who will be the storytellers of our next generation, responsible for continuing to propel our history through the years of advancements to come.

Our children are capable of understanding much more than we often recognize, but witnessing the enthusiasm and capability children have to retain and teach the knowledge they obtain, was something unfathomable until I saw it firsthand. I watched nearly 100 students be truly engaged and participate in his program. They had excellent and relevant questions for Eller and never lost their excitement.

Ranging from 8-12 years old, each of these students participated, learned and shared all over the course of an hour. Learning can always be exciting, and Eller’s music, music in general, makes storytelling and learning enjoyable for all.

The "Idaho Songs" program was presented by the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum at Farmin Stidwell Elementary on Friday, May 5. To learn more about the museum's educational programs, go online to bonnercountyhistory.org.

Bry Ells is the Bonner County Museum administrator and education programs coordinator.