Oskaloosa Elementary and Sixth Grade Orchestras give first concert of the year
Bruce McLellan leads the Elementary and Sixth Grade String Orchestras
Veterans were honored by the orchestra of the Oskaloosa Elementary and Sixth Grade last night. The Fourth Grade Orchestra played 3 songs: Dutch Dance, Parisian Night and Black Sheep, White Sheep.
Next to play was the Sixth Grade Orchestra. There were some students who had recently switched to different string instruments adding some extra depth to the orchestra. The Orchestra played Sahara Crossing, Creatures and Trinidad Treat. These were some songs that created an atmosphere.
When they completed, the Fifth Grade Orchestra joined them making a much larger orchestra. The combined group played Boogie Man Blue, Un Petit Soirree and Joust. These songs were picked to help created mood and drama and help to inspire imagination.
I caught up with Orchestra Director Bruce McLellan after the concert. I asked him how many students are currently part of the program. He informed me that there are around 100 students that participate in the 3 grades.
I was curious how he determined what songs each were to play “Skill level is number one, you gotta find something in their skill level. Then you look for something you think that they might have a little fun learning to play, that relates to them. Especially if it’s something they heard before, or if they think it’s a style they think is cool. Then we look for some things we think will be educational, that will help them to become better musicians and better players.”
If you’re interested in donating to the Elementary and Sixth Grade Orchestra’s fund, I asked McLellan how one could do that and what the funds are used for “The easiest way would be to send a donation to the school to either myself (McLellan) or Mrs. McLellan. If you write a check, write a check to the school and never to us. Then we will see to it gets put into the Orchestra account.”
Equipment that needs to be replaced, music and other materials the kids need as well as awards for the students is how the funds are used. Field trips are other things that the funds are used for to better provide for the kids that play.
Upcoming events are the Oskaloosa Symphony and High School Orchestra performing together with the Community High School and Elementary Choruses on Sunday, December 19th at 4 pm at the George Daily Auditorium. After that, the High School and Elementary Orchestras will play on Thursday, February 24, 7:30 pm at George Daily Auditorium.
