A Glimpse of the Second Graders at the National Philharmonic

Yesterday I was let in on a secret. I found out what goes on when all t>he Montgomery County Public School second graders go on a field trip to hear the National Philharmonic at The Music Center at Strathmore. This week, November 18–20, 2008, the National Philharmonic is presenting an interactive concert twice each day to accommodate more than 10,000 students. Music Director and Conductor, Piotr Gajewski, invited me to this delightful experience which provided a glimpse at his professional life beyond the Rockville City Council.

When the house lights went down, the kids cheered. Maestro Gajewski explained that an “overture” is a piece played at the beginning of a performance. As the music started, I looked out over the crowd in the 1,976-seat concert hall and to my amazement, there was no wiggling. One boy in the back was even conducting along. Maestro explained that he chose the “Overture to Candide” because it was composed by his teacher, Leonard Bernstein. Teachers are important and he was glad that the kids brought their teachers along. The Maestro has a wonderful speaking tone with the children, filled with his enjoyment of the music.

Since it is almost exactly four years since Strathmore opened, the kids sung “Happy Birthday to Strathmore” with an orchestral accompaniment. A large screen above the stage highlights the musicians and instruments. Throughout the performance the children were an enthusiastic audience, clapping at every opportunity so that little bursts of applause peppered the morning.

Although Maestro Gajewski explained that you don’t usually get to stand up and sing with an orchestra, the kids probably left thinking it was an everyday occurrence. My son, a second grader at the performance, had brought home the music to “The Berry Pickers’ Song”, so we sung it together. I had no idea he had memorized the words and motions to perform with the National Philharmonic. The percussion section produced the sounds of smoke and steam from the “Little Train of Caipira”. The woodwinds sounded the train whistle while the horns and trombones brought a cow to life. All the children were on their feet and knew the words. The final note brought giggles from this engaged audience.

Composer Russell Peck, narrated his “The Thrill of the Orchestra”. He teaches all about the instruments, explaining how and why the musicians play. “It is like a listeners dream come true. There are so many magical things they could do.” At one point, the drums demonstrated their power and had the audience ducking. The brass musicians made a nasty sound with their mouthpieces but then played a beautiful piece through their instruments. The kids expressed their delight by clapping along to the classical concert without adult constraints. By the end of his piece, Mr. Peck had passed along the thrill of performing.

These second grade performances have recently been expanded to include fifth graders. The “All Kids, All Free, All the Time” program offers children ages 7-17 free admission to all National Philharmonic subscription concerts. The 2008-2009 season will feature 18 concerts at Strathmore, including Sunday matinee performances. With these initiatives, the National Philharmonic strives to make classical music and concert going a part of daily life for young people.

From me, the National Philharmonic gets a standing ovation!

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