Orchestra strikes a positive note
The GCSU orchestra, in partnership with the Kazanetti String Quartet, put on a Musical Petting Zoo for children in the Putnam County area. Through this program, children were able to see and touch string instruments that would otherwise be out of reach to them.
The event took place in the Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton, Ga. Parents and children crowded the lobby and enthusiastically traversed the room, trying out each instrument: the violin, the viola, the cello and the hit of the night, the bass.
Through the eyes of a child, nothing is better than an instrument twice his size. Hence, the bass, the largest instrument present, appealed to many visitors. Children had to sit on a tall stool to handle the instrument, which provided opportunities for their parents’ cameras to click away. The bass was demonstrated by sophomore chemistry major Carter Watts. He has played the bass since sixth grade, and this is his first year in the orchestra.
“We are introducing younger people to music,” said Dr. Daniel Kaplunas, director of the GCSU orchestra.
They are trying to get a string program started in Putnam County schools.
While they have band and chorus, like many schools, they lack an orchestra. This alliance provides opportunities for both GCSU and the Putnam County school system. GCSU students will be able to do their student teaching in the schools and Putnam County students will benefit from a new musical program.
“This gives students an opportunity to teach and is a good relationship for everyone,” said Michele Volz, violinist of the Kazanetti String Quartet.
As artists in residence at Eatonton’s Plaza Arts Center, the string quartet played shows for over 2000 students in Putnam County in an effort to raise awareness for string instruments.
“We want to foster a partnership between Putnam County and GCSU,” said Elizabeth Alvarez, a second violinist in the quartet. “It’s just a win-win situation for everyone.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 12 2008. Filed under Features.
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