Photo by Wyn Jespersen
Second grader Samantha Markowski tries a trombone the Hartford Symphony brought with their Instrument Zoo to Spaulding School.
Second grade students at A. Ward Spaulding School welcomed the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Instrument Zoo on Thursday, May 19, 2016. The children listened to demonstrations of each family of the orchestra. Two musicians from the orchestra, a clarinet player and a violinist, played for the children. The students were very excited to hear the clarinet solo from Peter and the Wolf, and identified it as the cat theme immediately! Second graders enjoyed trying several of the instruments that they have been learning about, including the trumpet, baritone horn, tuba and trombone from the brass family. The woodwind instruments from the zoo were the flute and recorder. The students also held the clarinet and saxophone from the woodwinds. The violin and cello represented the string family, and many percussion instruments were tried. “I was so impressed by Spaulding’s students! They were already knowledgeable about the instruments, enthusiastic about trying them, and the most respectful audience we’ve had this year!” commented Miriam Engel, the Music Education Coordinator for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. A student remarked, “This is the very best day ever in the world!”
Wyn Jespersen, the school’s music specialist, is very grateful for a supportive PTO. Their willingness to fund such a wonderful event, and the help of so many parent volunteers that helped at the instrument zoo, made this a memorable day for all!