It seems to work. That helps a lot. The class is taught by Andy Mackie, who volunteers his time at schools here and in Brinnon and Quilcene, teaching 800 children how to play the mouth organ. The reedy chorus is enthusiastic, mostly in tune and loud. Mackie's soft voice is no match for the din, but it usually takes only an upraised palm to restore silence.
Hands shoot up.
A girl in the second row gets the nod. In his pale yellow cowboy shirt and stovepipe jeans, he stands planted at the front of the class, his manner reserved and almost shy. But the kids love him. He doesn't do anything mean. He sometimes gives us treats if we're good.