Exploring the unlikely combination of harp and percussion music was where Jan Earnshaw and Jack Barnes began in the winter of 2002.

"Jan and I had crossed paths musically a couple of times," Barnes explains. "She had asked me to provide a little drumming on a CD that she was making, a year or so ago. In listening to some of the cuts, months later, over the Christmas holidays, I was struck by the unique sound and appeal of the instruments. I approached Jan about getting together to toss around some ideas about possible themes for taking music into schools. It was Jan's pre-existing repertoire that formed the initial basis for our focus on Celtic and Medieval music. Over time, other dances and ballads have been added to the group's playlist. One of these is inspired by the plague while another is accredited to King Richard of England, written at the time of his capture and imprisonment during the Crusades."

One thing led to another and before they knew it, Jan and Jack were hooked on the idea of time travelling troubadours sharing tunes, dances, and opportunities for students to make music with them. Behind the merriment and music making, in the guise of their characters, Lord Jack and Lady Jan, they deliver a humorous outlook on life, times, and cultural history related to the Middle Ages.

The duo's accidental arrival in the 21st century ( via a mysterious time machine ) gives way to loads of questions about the wonders of modern times. In a very engaging way, students are drawn into making comparisons and contrasts to better understand the past in relationship to present day standards.

"Each of us came at this from slightly different angles. We both saw the possibility, however, for making the presentations lively, interactive, and entertaining as well as educational," they agree.

"In addition to her musicianship, collection of music, and a great sense of humour, Jan possesses a real passion for so many aspects of life and times of the Medieval period. It seemed that she had read a book or found some reference on the internet on just about any topic we felt might be of interest to students. Medicine, textiles, fashion, food preparation, instrument histories, court etiquette ... her interests were so varied and keenly linked to Medieval society," her partner in tyme explains. " She also enjoys flexing her creative muscles in the areas of script writing for the presentations and designing period dress costumes that help give the duo such an authentic presence and visual appeal."

"It's therapy for my fabric and costume addiction," she interjects.

"I, myself, was looking for a project in which to apply my teaching experience and awareness of the grade school curriculum, as my graduation ( retirement ) from elementary school teaching was approaching in June of 2002," says the other half of the duo. "I knew that it was an undertaking that required more than one person ... someone who liked working with children ... appreciating the ways in which children might think, was a must for this collaboration. I found a real gem of a partner! Jan's take on, and enthusiasm for, the entire approach was the major force in making so much of the music and historical content of the project live and breathe."

The magic of the time travelling minstrels would appear to be the combined energies of their two personalities and the wealth of material, music and otherwise, related to this period in time.

"I relish the idea of being a larger-than-life character and relating comments from the audience to some topics a bit off the beaten path of the planned script," Barnes adds. "Winging it, at times, enables us to capitalize on individual and group areas of concern, personalizing the learning experience even more."

Humour is a key component in KLANGFHARPE's approach and appeal. In fact, the name is a play on the term "klangfarbe" which, in German, means "tone colour".

In addition to the harp and a number of hand drums, a large assortment of percussion instruments ( shakers, clappers, bells, etc. ) and various types of recorders, round out the instrumentation used in the performances.

"We just had a ball bouncing ideas off each other and finding fascinating factual historical material with which to play. Both of us have been flabbergasted to see the children so captivated with our presentation when we land in their classroom. The feeling is that the kids really believe that we are the genuine article," the pair beam.

In June, KLANGFHARPE played to an even larger and slightly different audience at London's International Childrens' Festival, held in Victoria Park. Parents and small children, alike, participated joyfully and whole heartedly in a program for the younger set.

Lord Jack and Lady Jan ... KLANGFHARPE ... share the wonders of music and history in their Through A Wondrous Portal. These performances are designed with classes studying Medieval history in mind ( Junior Level ).

For younger children, Jack and Jan have prepared an interactive program entitled; MERRILY WEE SING ALONG. This program features material celebrating the spirit of the imagination of children through tuneful tunes, rhythmic activities, movement, and musical storytelling.