Musicians in the spotlight
Elementary school members of the Select String Ensemble head to D.C.
The Bridle Path/Montgomery Elementary Select String Ensemble has been accepted to participate in the 2017 Symphonic Series at the acclaimed John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on April 10.
“They are very excited about our upcoming performance, to take the stage in one of the most famous concert halls in the United States.” said Select String Ensemble and Orchestra Director Ralph T. Jackson.
The Symphonic Series is a unique opportunity for some of the most gifted bands and orchestras to perform on a ticketed daytime concert at a major concert venue. While three other bands and orchestras from around the country have been selected to perform at this event, the Bridle Path/Montgomery Elementary Select String Ensemble is the only elementary group that has been invited.
“All the other ensembles are high school and older, which makes it even more of a special honor to have been selected,” he added.
Founded in 2000, the ensemble is comprised of 29 students ages 9 through 12 (fourth through sixth grades) from Bridle Path Elementary in Lansdale and Montgomery Elementary School in North Wales.
“Most (of the students) have been playing for at least two years in our orchestra before joining this advanced group,” said Jackson, who added that the students must audition from among the 120 members of the orchestra to be considered for the select string ensemble.
Last spring, the ensemble submitted an audition recording to the Symphonic Series, which was then evaluated by a judging panel. They received the news that they’d been selected early
last fall, at the beginning of the school year.
“I told them at one of our first rehearsals in the fall. It motivated them and gave the group a concrete goal to work towards during the year,” said Jackson.
Throughout the school year, Jackson and the ensemble rehearse once a week for one hour, but in order to prepare for this performance he added several Saturday rehearsals to their schedule.
“They spend a good
amount of time rehearsing together with the group and working toward a musical performance. The music the children are performing is quite advanced for their age, so all members of the group must be dedicated to mastering their individual part and coming to rehearsal ready to put their part with the group,” he said.
“I love teaching elementary school children because they are just at the beginning of their musical journey,” continued Jackson, who has served as director for 18 years and taught children of all ages for nearly his whole career.
“I like to show them what is possible and encourage them to strive higher than they think they can go. It is exciting to teach at this level and bring out the best in these young kids. I find that once children experience true excellence, they continue to strive for high levels of excellence in all aspects of their lives, not just music.”
While Jackson is proud of his students’ talents and dedication, he stressed that the ensemble’s success can largely be accredited to the parents.
“The parents are the backbone. The parents work to coordinate carpools to and from rehearsals, arrange for private lessons outside of school, organize the trip…. None of the group’s success would be possible without the parents,” said Jackson.
In addition to playing at a renowned performing arts center, the members of the ensemble will receive written and recorded critique by nationally recognized clinicians and have the opportunity to participate in a private clinic session with one of the Symphonic Series’ guest faculty. The adjudicator will listen to the group and provide feedback and suggestions to the ensemble on the spot.
“The clinic is designed to help the group elevate the musicality of their performance. The goal is to take away new techniques and/or ideas and apply them when performing the pieces,” said Jackson.
During the group’s trip to D.C. they’ll spend time at the museums and attractions on the national mall, and even go to a dueling piano show. The students’ parents and families with be traveling with the group.
“I like to show them what is possible and encourage them to strive higher than they think they can go. It is exciting to teach at this level and bring out the best in these young kids. I find that once children experience true excellence, they continue to strive for high levels of excellence in all aspects of their lives, not just music.” Ralph T. Jackson, Select String Ensemble and Orchestra director