Student musicians from the district’s five elementary schools became one (soon-to-be) sixth-grade orchestra on Tuesday, Mar. 24, when more than 75 fifth-graders came together for an exciting peek at the sixth-grade orchestra program at Bethlehem Central Middle School.
At the Spring String Fling, students had the opportunity to meet middle school music teachers, including orchestra director Jody VanVoris and chorus director Katie Daly, and explore rehearsal and performance spaces. Students from the district’s five elementary schools connected with peers and performed together as a full ensemble for the first time.
Under the guidance of elementary orchestra teacher Mrs. Lillierose David and Mrs. VanVoris, the students showcased their talents by collaborating on three musical pieces: Tallis Canon, Five Note Fiddler, and Choose Your Own Adventure.
The elementary students were also greeted by several seventh-graders who joined the group to help the young musicians with things like physical technique and posture, bow position and instrument tuning. Many of the middle schoolers had siblings who were visiting.
The older students also answered questions from the fifth graders, a group that included some of their siblings. Most of the questions centered around the transition to a larger school. The seventh graders reassured the fifth graders that there would be opportunities to visit the school before September and that plenty of people (both teachers and students) would be available to help them navigate the school next September.
The middle school student-leaders included: Marisa Ardolino, Talia Deroo, Yahya Hattak, Oliver Kaufman, Maddie Oommen, Susanna Ross, Anna Ruiz and Beth Zimmerman.
A big thank you to them and to all of the music teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers who contributed to the success of the Spring String Fling!