Musical Sharing in the Kindergarten

Senior Kindergarten students recently enjoyed a musical treat when music teacher and Upper School Orchestra conductor Betty Lewis brought her students to the Kindergarten Atrium to perform for their younger peers.

In this gathering, the kindergarten students, who had recently studied string instruments with their music teacher, Alec Synakowski, enjoyed special sounds of the orchestral string group playing these instruments together.

Lewis introduced each piece the visiting musicians performed as part of this experience, including “Ode to Joy;” “Mai Nozipo,” an African work commissioned by the Kronos Quartet; and the theme from Star Wars. Lewis provided historical information on the music, notes on the composers as well as suggestions for what little ears should listen for as they played audience for their older peers. For example, prior to performing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Lewis called attention to the composer’s 250th birthday, which musical groups worldwide are observing this year. She also shared that the instrument she was playing in that day’s performance was 19 years older than Beethoven himself!

Reflecting upon this experience, Lewis said, “It is wonderful that our US Orchestra had the opportunity to share their talents and their love of music with their little brothers and sisters!”

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