Working in concert

Eyes widen with delight at the first sound of strings bowed in unison in acoustically enhanced space. A rehearsal-room conference between a pair of young...
cellists produces new success on a tough line of music. Practiced classical musicians test their skills on a disco tune they have just heard over a classroom MP3 player system.

Each of these scenes has emerged recently through Poly’s rich instrumental music program in Lower through Upper School classes. At every level, new construction and renovation of classrooms and rehearsal space affords Poly music teachers greater flexibility to convey lessons to large or small groups of students. On the renovated North Campus, a historic pre-kindergarten building was moved and updated to house instrumental music for the lower grades. In the Garland building on the South Campus, two small rehearsal rooms were reconfigured into one large space that accommodates more musicians and updated technology.

Lower School instrumental teacher Cheryl Scheidemantle explained, “The students finally have a place to store their instruments, a place to go practice separately when they need it, and a place that is theirs and is safe and comfortable to make music.”

Now every student in instrumental instruction at Poly can make the most of class time, developing the multiple skills that make group music possible. An introduction to violin or cello in the third grade opens the door to a range of choices in band and orchestra in the sixth grade and beyond. By Upper School, student musicians find avenues of expression in the pit orchestra for the spring musical, a jazz band led by Rob Hayes, and an orchestra that plays a variety from classical works to 1950s oldies.

Elementary-level instructor Cheryl Scheidemantle’s newest strings students start with baby steps, focusing initially on fundamental techniques before making a sound as a group. That eventual unison is a powerful motivator as students delve into increasingly complex pieces. By the time musicians advance to Upper School, many have committed to studying their instrument privately as well, with their collaborative study at Poly providing unique benefits.

Middle and Upper School instrumental teacher Ria Kubota has witnessed her instrumental groups’ special appreciation for the value of their hard work when they have performed in such places as Union Station homeless shelter and Santa Teresita retirement home. Kubota reflected, “Bringing their music to other people helps the students realize what a gift they have to share with others.”
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