In the News - December 2011
St. Louis Symphony Makes a Difference with Adopt-A-School
Mysteries were solved, instruments were played, lines were delivered and even a few tears were shed on Thursday, December 8 at Airport Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. The second graders in Amy Freet’s music class presented their St. Louis Symphony Adopt-A-School performance in front of the entire school.
Adopt-A-School is an intensive in-school residency featuring weekly visits from St. Louis Symphony education staff and musicians. Students learn about the instruments and sections of the orchestra, composing and conducting, even touching on basic music theory. Through the program, they come to Powell Hall for an education concert and for a special percussion demonstration. They learn that classical music is truly for everyone. They then get the chance to apply all that they’ve learned to a special in-school assembly.
The Airport Elementary students wrote mystery plays (based on the education concert they attended, The Composer is Dead) and composed music to go along with them. Each student played a different character, delivered lines, played instruments and were accompanied by Symphony musicians Mike Walk, Dave DeRiso and Jennifer Nitchman. When they were finished, the audience, which included parents, teachers and peers, gave the group an enthusiastic round of applause.
When it was over, Ms. Freet addressed the school to thank the Symphony and specifically Education Programs Manager Dacy Gillespie for her efforts during the program. Many of the children at Airport Elementary were directly affected by last April’s tornado. The Adopt-A-School program provided a positive experience for them during this stressful and uncertain time, and is truly a fantastic example of our mission in action: sharing the power of music with our community.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch covered the assembly. To view the story, please click here.
IN UNISON Chorus Stages Lambert Rehearsal
It was an unlikely spot to rehearse the A Gospel Christmas program, but on November 21, members of the St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON chorus met at Lambert St. Louis International Airport for two run-throughs of the concert.
Travelers on the way to their Thanksgiving destinations were treated to the sweet sounds of the season, thanks to chorus director Kevin McBeth and his group. Many people stopped several minutes to listen, clap and even sing along!
The practice paid off—A Gospel Christmas was an amazing concert performed for a near-capacity crowd at Powell Hall on December 8.
Symphony Says Goodbye to Prolific Musician
After 44 years, this will be Bradford Buckley’s last with the St. Louis Symphony. The bassoon and contrabassoon player, who has long been a leader at Powell Hall, announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2011-2012 season. A Florida native, Buckley has lectured on the contrabassoon at the International Double Reed Society, served as a consultant on the instrument for the Fox Bassoon Company and is a current bassoon instructor at both Washington and Lindenwood Universities in St. Louis.
In addition, Buckley has held the position of Chairman at the St. Louis Symphony’s Musicians’ Council and the International Conference of Symphony, Opera and Ballet Musicians, and served as Co-Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts Orchestra Panel.
News of Brad’s retirement was picked up by the Associated Press and he was also profiled on KPLR-KTVI. Click here to view the story. We wish Brad all the best in his retirement.
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
It’s still not too late to make the St. Louis Symphony part of your New Year’s Eve celebration. Led by Music Director David Robertson, the Symphony always delivers an incredible holiday show with plenty of surprises. There’s truly no better place than Powell Hall to start your New Year’s celebration. The concert begins at 7:30pm, so wherever you want to ring in 2012, you’ll have plenty of time to get there after the performance!
Next Family Concert: The Magic Flute
Be sure to save the date for the St. Louis Symphony’s next Family Concert. On Sunday, January 15, 2012, we will present a special version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, condensed just for younger listeners. Resident Conductor Ward Stare will be at the podium for the performance, which will also feature Opera Theatre of St. Louis Young Artists. For tickets, call 314-534-1700 or click here.
