Kenowa Hills — Struggling to squeak out a few wavering notes on the recorder is a common rite of passage for many elementary school students.
Central Elementary fourth-graders recently stepped up their recorder playing abilities when they joined the Grand Rapids Symphony for a Link Up concert. A program for student musicians in grades 3-5 offered by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Link Up partners with more than 100 orchestras around the world.
Central’s music teacher Annie Hulford and her students joined other West Michigan schools at DeVos Hall to sing, dance and play recorders from the audience while the symphony orchestra played onstage.
“The Orchestra Rocks” concert featured songs chosen by Link Up for all fourth-graders to learn. Students also learned the history of the hand jive dance, and how to do the hand motions along with the song “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry.
Fourth-grader Makayla Garcia said performing the hand jive was her favorite part of the concert. She and her classmates studied up on the hand jive in class and how historically it could be performed sitting or standing up.
“One key aspect of Link Up is that it involves students as musicians, whether they’re singing, playing instruments, moving or listening,” Hulford said. “You can still move and groove to the music, while sitting to do the hand jive.”
Charlotte Lomoro said she was most excited to sit and watch the symphony orchestra concert while she and her classmates weren’t playing.
“I really liked learning to play ‘La Folia’ on my recorder. We also get to learn more difficult instruments in music class,” such as the ukulele, she said.
In addition to practicing the music, Hulford worked with her students on collaboration and concert etiquette.
Creating Lasting Memories
Central’s Principal Cherie Horner said playing with the symphony for the first time would become a “core memory” for her students.
“Everyone played the recorder, so it is neat for parents to see (their students perform) and encourages bonding with families over music,” Horner said.
“I think you have to be exposed to music or have it introduced to you to know what’s out there,” she added. “Students only go to music (class) once a week, so programs like this introduce them to diversity and other kids like them.”
‘One key aspect of Link Up is that it involves students as musicians, whether they’re singing, playing instruments, moving or listening.’
— music teacher Annie Hulford
After their first concert experience with Link Up, Hulford said she looked forward to fourth-graders continuing to participate in this experience in the future.
“This performance is a springboard to fifth grade, for when they choose instruments to play in band and orchestra and grow the middle and high school programs.”
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