Sweet Music at Concert for Kids and Grown-Ups
The Concert for Kids and Grown-ups is always an enjoyable experience for fourth grade families in the Huntington School District. It’s also an eye-opener for the beginning band and orchestra students who spend several weeks teaching their parents how to play their respective musical instrument.
In separate performances at Woodhull and Jack Abrams intermediate schools, the initiative proved it still has legs even after all these years, as folks of all ages played with pride and sounded good, too. More than anything, it produced a fun night for everyone.
The program was coordinated by elementary instrumental music teachers Mitchell Malle, Christina Bhasin, and Claude Masear, who conduct the fourth grade bands and orchestras. Fellow district music teachers helped out by teaching a parent group lesson immediately preceding the concert.
The youngsters never fail to take delight in assuming the role of teacher as they work with their parents, instructing them on the proper position, playing techniques and music reading. The initiative provides an opportunity for parents or other adult family members to be actively involved in their child’s first concert in Huntington. The adults are able to experience how difficult it can be to read music, keep a steady beat, finger an instrument properly and try to produce a sound.
“The adult and student audience gets such a kick out of watching the parents perform,” said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts. “There are always some that are very nervous about playing and others who can’t wait to get on the stage. We know that some of them haven't really practiced, but that's okay with us! They learn first hand that playing an instrument takes lots of regular practice and that helps them appreciate the importance of practice and encourage their kids to take that ‘horn’ out more often at home.”
During the at-home practice sessions, the children and their parents were able to work together learning a pair of songs they would later perform in the concert at their respective school. On the night of the concert, the band and orchestra parents participated in a 30-minute rehearsal prior to their performance. Later, the parent orchestra and band performed for their children and the students performed separately for their parents.
Seeing parents on the stage is always an interesting sight, regardless of who is sitting in the audience. Parents take their performance seriously and sometimes appear to be more nervous than the children. As fathers attempt to play small violins and petite mothers struggle with large tubas, plenty of laughs can be heard. Regardless of who was playing, though, the audience reacted enthusiastically.
The event has continued through the years because district staff members have found it to be one of the best ways to reinforce important beginning instrument skills. The experience not only gives Huntington parents a valuable insight into instrumental instruction, but it serves as a legitimate motivator for students.
The Huntington music program takes pride in providing opportunities for parents to participate in their child’s education. From their first concert on stage in elementary school to their assistance at all high school band and orchestra events, music is something that district families have enjoyed together for generations.
For more information about Huntington’s music program contact Ms. Fretz at 673-2106 or e-mail her at jfretz@hufsd.edu.
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