By Victoria Lanier | Executive Director
Spring is abuzz with music-making! In April, 150 band, strings, recorder, guitar and choral students from 12 diverse schools around Los Angeles – from Downtown to Compton, Sylmar to Pasadena – joined together as part of our 3rd Annual Music Unites the World Festival. The event kicked-off with coaching sessions for both the 95-piece orchestra and the 55-member choir by top artist-educators Joe Kraemer (Composer, Jack Reacher starring Tom Cruise) and Misha Shtangrud (Choir Director, Colburn School of Music). Kraemer engaged the children immediately with his warm and gregarious personality, rehearsing them on their instrumental works of “Fiddler’s Hoedown” (Folk Song/arr. Robert Gillespie) and “Samba del Sol” (Doug Spata). Shtangrud, with his playful demeanor, coached the vocal students on their songs, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Dry Your Tears, Afrika.” Joselyn Wilkinson, percussionist, filled out the performances with her djembé and call and response activities for both the students and parents.
In May, we were honored to host 11-year-old piano prodigy Ray Ushikubo (NPR’s From the Top, Tonight Show) in our 2nd Annual Keep the Music Playing Event to raise awareness and support for our in-school music education programs. He wowed the crowd with pieces like Ginastera’s Danzas Argentinas Op.. 2 and Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.
This month, over 5,500 music students from our 12 schools will showcase their learning and skills. Please join us in support of our students at one of their concerts! Find a concert near you and RSVP at www.etmla.org/springconcertsFY13.
Thank you for championing music for every child!
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