“Talk about a ‘sound’ education. In addition to reading and writing, youngsters from across St. Bernard Parish recently participated in a field trip to bring music to life,” writes Barry Lemoine in Wednesday’s (10/30) Times-Picayune (New Orleans). “It was all part of ‘The Sounds and Shapes of the LPO,’ a workshop and concert … designed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for kindergarten and first-grade students…. Students visited various music stations set up at the Chalmette Cultural Arts Center. At each station, orchestra members conducted a mini-session, teaching and demonstrating the intricacies and sound of each instrument…. The students entered the main stage area for a brief concert. Under the direction of [conductor] David Torns, … the 39-piece orchestra performed … music ranging from the hoedown sounds of ‘Rodeo’ to the classic finale of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Charles Cassar, who coordinates cultural arts programs in St. Bernard, said the visit by the LPO was a great way to encourage and promote the cultural arts. ‘These kinds of programs are great teaching tools, but more importantly, give our students some real-life and hands-on exposure to the arts.… It’s truly an invaluable experience.’ ”
Posted October 31, 2013
