Symphony performs for thousands of fourth graders

 

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra performed a racing themed concert for more than 2,000 fourth graders from all over Springfield on Monday, March 9.

This districtwide learning experience gives fourth grade students from every school, Launch online learning and some homeschool cohorts the opportunity to attend a live symphony performance, hosted at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. 

“The Young People’s Concert is a great tradition of children and music,” said Kyle Pickett, music director and conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. “We’re so glad we get to play for you.”

With the help of two actors portraying racecar drivers Mario and George, the symphony performed various musical pieces that explored the emotions music can bring up in people. From Gioachino Rossini’s  “William Tell Overture” as a hype song, to Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” as a winning celebration tune, the performance hall was buzzing with excited energy from the students. There were also plenty of giggles as Mario and George taunted and joked with one another — even competing in a slow motion race that didn't quite go to plan. 

The Springfield Symphony works with Springfield Public Schools through the Any Given Child program. Selected because of a demonstrated commitment to the improvement of education in and through the arts, the community participates in collaborative efforts to provide equity and access in arts education for all students.