In a world filled with TV news of war, intrigue, murders, and campaign promises, it’s hard to focus on the great things people are accomplishing. Yesterday afternoon at Eau Gallie, there was just such an interlude, and the nine members of our family were refreshed and our faith in the future was bolstered.
For what was announced to be the fourteen the Mel-Gallie Orchestra Festival, the orchestra students from these two high schools sent their orchestra students to an all day conference of rehearsals, technique clinics, and a marvelous public performance for admiring parents and friends who applauded their efforts.
Their regular teachers who work with these students are Erin Roland-Dryer from Eau Gallie, and Michelle Eggen from Melbourne High School. For the day, they brought their students together to learn to play as ensemble with other students and make beautiful music together. Under the expertise of guest conductors Ethan Hasker from Columbia Elementary, also a conductor of one of BSYO Youth Orchestra groups, and Bobbie Jo Butler, teacher at Merritt Island High School and Jefferson Middle School, and Paul Jackson, string specialist serving both the Melbourne High School and Eau Gallie High School feeder schools, the students were well served by these professionals who help make Brevard County music programs as outstanding as they are.
The challenging program allowed students to elevate their playing skills by learning works from composers Doug Sparta, Norman Leyden, Gustav Holst, Ted Allen, Josef Sulk, and Paul Hindemith. Several pieces included multiple movements of pieces, and the audience learned not to applaud until the entire piece was completed. Students learned to follow new conductors, to pay careful attention to playing in tune, to bowings, to dynamics and phrasing, and to mark their music so they could perfect their performances.
The result was a magnificent afternoon where an attentive audience could set aside the exigencies of the day and enjoy watching students achieve excellence. Music unites people, allows us to forget the stressful situations of life, and exhibit pride in performance. Our community is well served by the District’s outstanding music program, and yesterday’s gathering of sixty-four violinists, twenty-two violists, thirty cellists, and thirteen bassists , their conductors and chaperones who made this a wonderful interlude for a delightful afternoon’s performance. Kudos to the teachers who have the vision to provide such opportunities for their students.
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