Orchestra holds summer program at Children’s Beach House
The Southern Delaware Orchestra concluded its summer music outreach program with Children’s Beach House Aug. 4. Spanning eight weeks, the sessions sought to immerse children of all ages in various types of music and let them hear from experts in the field.
The final session began with the brass quintet performing an eclectic selection of pieces, ranging from “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven to traditional jazz spirituals. Members of the group dedicated time before and after each arrangement to explain the chosen piece and add a bit information about the composer or style of music for audience members.
Following the quintet’s performance, James Anderson, SODELO music director and University of Delaware director of orchestral studies, took the stage. He delivered a presentation outlining the importance of a good conductor as well as the basic principles of the position. Anderson led the children through a series of drills on hand motions used while conducting, displayed varying types of conducting tools, and shared his own path to orchestral music.
Although the summer programming has now come to a close, all parties have expressed extreme satisfaction with the sessions, and it seems to have left a lasting impression on all participants. More information about programming and upcoming events for the Southern Delaware Orchestra can be found at sodelomusic.org. To learn more about the Children’s Beach House in Lewes, go to cbhinc.org.
