Who ever heard of a paper orchestra? At a new El Sistema-inspired music education program run by former NEC Sistema Fellow Alvaro Rodas in Corona, in the borough of Queens, NYC, youngsters learn musical basics along with ensemble etiquette by drumming on buckets and “playing” on cardboard instruments before moving on to the real thing. In fact, this was all Rodas had to work with when he started the program in 2010, but donations of instruments—and the dedication of Rodas and his young charges—have helped the program grow by leaps and bounds since.
Also this week, we spotlight Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival’s 25th anniversary season with a new photo gallery, and pay brief tribute to conductor and composer Marvin Hamlisch.
SymphonyNOW is the League’s new, online-only publication, with timely stories about orchestras every week. You’ll find SymphonyNOW on the right-hand side of the Hub homepage.
Posted August 10, 2012
