I recently had the opportunity to attend a “string” concert at our local high school. It involved grade levels 5-12, showing off their skills in the violin, viola, cello, and bass. I hadn’t been to anything like this for a while, and I greatly enjoyed it.
It carried me back to the fourth grade, in the weeks following the city-wide band and orchestra concert.
The image of the young instructor/conductor leading the groups reminded me of my first encounter with the new young instructor/conductor of my day – Steve Miller.
I remember meeting in the small room across from my fourth-grade classroom, and discussing what instrument I wanted to play. I chose the violin, and I remember him measuring my arm to make sure I would even be able to play it. I did, not necessarily well, and my orchestra career was relegated to just the 5th grade year. (Hey, don't judge me! I’m not musical… I write!)
As the fifth-grade students performed for the first time, I leaned over to my daughter and whispered “I learned that same song when I was in fifth grade,” and she just laughed, while my youngest grandchild gazed in complete awe and wonder, completely mesmerized by the performances. I wondered if the beginner music curriculum had evolved at all, or was “Hot Cross Buns” just one of those classics that every music student learned. Probably so. Wouldn’t it make for a fun event if on a given day and time, all the beginner students across the United States played it together, as a promotional event to maintain music programs in our schools? It would take a very passionate conductor to coordinate that, but every parent would love it!
Even if you don’t have a school age student involved in the music programs, I would encourage you to attend one of these types of local events. Not only is it fun, it is inspiring to watch the wonder, awe, dedication, and brilliance displayed by these students.
contributed by Melody Lowe
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