Notes from the Music Room

Congratulations to Ms. White on her upcoming retirement! The final Chorus Concert last week caps an incredible career and was a cherished evening for everyone in attendance. Fort River students rose to the occasion, delivering a magical performance. Ms. White shared these updates in the recent Principal Newsletter:

Thanks to special funding opportunities, we have been very fortunate to have some fabulous artists come to work with our music classes.  I would like to thank both the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Amherst Education Foundation for funding the concert given by the band, Klezamir, on April 28th.  The entire school had prepared for this concert of Yiddish music and culture. The upper grades watched a film about the history of Klezmer, learning how klezmer music has spread throughout the world. Students learned the Israeli dance, Zemir Atik, which they danced at the concert.  Younger grades read the book, "Kugel Valley Klezmer Band," and learned to sing and dance to "Tumbalalaika." The entire school got up and danced to the infectious music, and a good time was had by all! 

I also want to thank the Amherst Education Foundation for funding our district-wide Culture Bearers Project.  Through this grant we were able to bring wonderful artists to each of our district elementary schools.  At Fort River, in addition to hearing Klezamir, students learned about the Yoruba tradition of the talking drum from artist, Champion Bakare.  Children learned to dance and sing, "Kakilambe," a traditional piece of the Baga People. Tashina Bowman and Donovan Riley Robinson came and taught the students how to drum, sing and dance this song of harvest celebration. Fifth and sixth grade classes were treated to an exceptional live jazz concert by the Jeremy Turgeon Quintet.  The entire school community was treated to an evening of beautiful Latin American dance by Grupo Folklorico Tradiciones at our Cultural Heritage Night. In addition, AEF funding enabled us to procure new teaching materials for the Cambodian Afterschool program which happens at all three elementary schools. 

Thanks to AEF and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, it has been an exceptional year for musical performance and education at Fort River!

Thank you, Mrs. White, Music Teacher

 ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ 

Auditions for the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus on June 6

Does your child love to sing?  

The Hampshire Young People’s Chorus (YPC), an award-winning youth choir, will hold auditions on June 6 for new members for the 2017-2018 year.  

YPC offers children the opportunity to experience choral singing in a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere.  Healthy vocal technique and fundamental music skills are taught through singing a wide range of music from many styles and traditions.  The choir’s roster includes more than 45 children in two age divisions – Concert Choir (grades 3-6) and Chamber Singers (grades 6-10).  

Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays in Amherst.  For more information, please visit www.hampshireypc.org or call the director, K.C. Conlan, at 413-530-9337.

Auditions for the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus

Does your child like to sing? The Hampshire Young People’s Chorus (YPC) is an award-winning youth choir, currently accepting new members. YPC offers children the opportunity to experience choral singing in a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere. Healthy vocal technique and fundamental music skills are taught through singing a wide range of music from many styles and traditions. 

The choir’s roster includes more than 45 children in two age divisions – Concert Choir (grades 3-6) and Chamber Singers (grades 6-10). Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays in Amherst. For more information, please visit http://www.hampshireypc.org or call the director, K.C. Conlan, at 413-530-9337

Upcoming Fort River Performances

Enjoy the lively end-of-year Chorus Concert on Thursday, June 2 at 7 in the ARMS auditorium.

The 5th and 6th grade Fort River Band and Orchestra will give their final performance on June 7th at 6:30pm in the Fort River Gymnasium. 

Hope to see you there! 

ARMS Grade 8 Chorus "Night on Broadway" Show on April 1

GRADE 8 CHORUS “NIGHT ON BROADWAY” SHOW

Friday, April 1, 2016

7:00 p.m.

Middle School Auditorium

This two act family friendly Broadway review includes 20 Broadway songs with Solos, Skits, Dancing, & of course the Middle School Grade 8 Chorus.  Tickets may be purchased at the MS Main Office or reserved by sending in the ticket order form in the newsletter with payment.  Adults $8.00, Students (Gr. K – 12) $5.00, Not in school yet – Free

CORO DE GRADO 8 "NOCHE EN BROADWAY" 

ESPECTÁCULO VIERNES, 1 DE ABRIL DE, el año 2016 

7:00 pm. 

AUDITORIO de Intermedia 

Estos dos actos familiares de Broadway incluye 20 canciones de Broadway, con solos, Obras de teatro, baile, y por supuesto El Coro de Octavo Grado de la Escuela Intermedia Los boletos pueden ser comprados en la oficina principal de la Escuela Intermedia o reservados enviando el formulario de pedido de entradas en el boletín con el pago. Adultos $ 8.00, Estudiantes (Gr K -. 12) $ 5.00, todavía no está en la escuela