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A harmonious life


In 1937, Frank Thiessen was 10 years old and living in Abbotsford, B.C. One day, a friend’s father told him that if Frank would gather about six other boys together, he would come to Frank’s house every Tuesday evening and teach them to play the harmonica. After a few weeks, the boys were able to play a few gospel songs and perform in public. Later, Frank learned to play the guitar, and played the two instruments together. The price of his first harmonica was 25 cents.

In 1995, with two friends, Frank started to make CDs and tapes. Frank and Tom Reed play the harmonica, and Nick Klassen plays guitar/bass. They perform together in places such as churches and rest homes for seniors. They now have four CDs on the market (The Love of God, One Day at a Time, The Home over There and He Hideth my Soul) and have customers all over Canada and the United States.

Frank has also produced a harmonica instruction book with 18 songs in it. It took him about an hour per song to translate the notes to numbers. Using the book, a beginner can learn to play a song in a short time.

The music is available from Frank Thiessen at 32855 Capilano Place, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 7B4; phone (604) 859-4159; fax (604) 853-9212 or online (www.smartsettle.com/frank).

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Last modified October 29, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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