On Thursday, October 15, I had the privilege of attending the Georgetown Symphony Society’s Fall Musical Enrichment Program. Seeds of Strength awarded $7.500 to the Georgetown Symphony Society to help pay for the performers and the buses for the two performances held on the 15th, as well as the two performances that will be held in the Spring. I was anxious to see how fourth graders would respond to the concert.
“You began with a heartbeat,” explained Nancy Robohn, Chair of the Musical Enrichment Program. So music has been a part of you since the day you were born.
Next, the children learned that the group that would be performing is comprised of community helpers that protect us every day–the Georgetown Fire Department. These particular fire fighters are also musicians known as the Georgetown Fire Department Pipes & Drums.
As the musicians took the stage, Jeff Davis, the Pipe Master, queried the crowd, “I bet you are all wondering why grown men are wearing skirts.” Of course, laughter filled the theater. But many children also shouted out “kilts,” indicating that they knew why the men were dressed that way.
After providing some history about why fire fighters and police officers play bagpipes and drums, the group performed several pieces. And the students were completely engaged and entertained.
And what do you think the children wanted to know when it was time for questions? Here are just a couple of their questions:
Has anyone you know ever popped a bag on a bagpipe?
What makes the different sounds on the small drums and the large drum?
The children in our community are inquisitive and imaginative. Isn’t that great?
I think the Georgetown Symphony Society’s Musical Enrichment Program is fabulous. As I left the Klett Performing Arts Center, I felt proud to be a member of Seeds of Strength. I hope you do, too.