El Sistema at the Conservatory Lab

Joanne Hammil Leads Choral Residency

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:06:00 -0400

The fifty-eight musicians of the Bernstein Orchestra gathered for the first time on Monday to rehearse as a combined choral ensemble, under the direction of guest teacher Joanne Hammil. Their voices danced together in two and three-part harmonies as they sang vocal jazz, a freedom song from South Africa, and an original song by Hammil with words in nine different languages!

A renowned educator, performer, and song-writer, Ms. Hammil has toured throughout the United States giving concerts, workshops, and classes in community singing and songwriting. She has released two celebrated children’s recordings, “Pizza Boogie” and “The World’s Gonna Listen,” as well as three adult recordings of rounds and partner songs. She also directs children’s choruses and intergenerational choirs in Boston.

Over the next six weeks, Ms. Hammil will rehearse with the Bernstein and Abreu ensembles twice a week, preparing a variety of repertoire. This year, students receive vocal instruction during their musicianship classes, which are smaller in size than our choral ensembles have been, have a greater focus on music literacy, and are not performing ensembles. Through this residency, Ms. Hammil will help us to assess the potential for a more robust choral program at Conservatory Lab.

Mr. Anantawan Honored with Award for Excellence

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:01:30 -0400

For his tireless work as an advocate and role model for people with disabilities, Dudamel Orchestra conductor Adrian Anatawan was awarded the 2012 March of Dimes Canada Rick Hansen Award of Excellence on Friday, September 14th in Toronto. Adrian is a key proponent of art for people with disabilities, particularly children. A documentary “Adrian Anantawan: The Story Behind the Notes” attests to that fact.

The Rick Hansen Award of Excellence is presented periodically to the rare individual who has made outstanding contributions, or who has accomplished an outstanding achievement benefiting the cause of persons with physical disabilities internationally.

Adrian has been a longtime friend of March of Dimes, and he inspires not only those living with disabilities, but people around the world with his spirit, determination and positive attitude.

We are so proud of you Adrian. Kudos!

Meet Adrian, the New Maestro of Dudamel Orchestra!

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:09:53 -0400

Violin virtuoso Adrian Anantawan has never let excuses stand in the way of his art. Born without a right arm, Anantawan took up the violin at the age of 9 using an adaptive device, which allows him to control the bow with great sensitivity. At the age of 27, the young protégé of Pinchas Zuckerman and Itzhak Perlman has performed concertos with professional orchestras in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, earning acclaim as a “rising star” of the classical world. But for Anantawan, the glory of the concert hall takes a second fiddle to what he sees as his highest purpose: bringing the joy of music performance to those who are too often cut off from it.

This fall, he will join forces with the El Sistema movement as a conductor of the Dudamel Orchestra at Conservatory Lab Charter School, a public elementary school providing free, intensive music instruction to children from Boston’s poorest neighborhoods. Each student at the school receives 2.5 hours of daily orchestral music instruction beginning in kindergarten, woven into their academic schedule. Music at Conservatory Lab is a vehicle for building a culture of excellence, social responsibility, and self-confidence, a philosophy that Anantawan has shared from the beginning.

“A lot of people don’t realize how valuable their voices are;” Anantawan explains, “for me, music saved my life. I want my students to have the same opportunity to grow, to explore through music.” He cites his early success with the violin as a turning point in his life, when he began to began to expect more from himself and from his studies. His mentor, Itzak Perlman, who sits down to play the violin after a childhood polio affliction weakened his legs, taught him that the key to overcoming any disability is to develop a concept of what you want, then figure out how to do it.

With degrees from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music as well as the Harvard School of Education, Anantawan is part of a new breed of teaching artists, what Eric Booth describes as, “a practicing professional artist with the complementary skills, curiosities and sensibilities of an educator.” He joins a team of like-minded professional musicians who teach each of the orchestral instruments offered at Conservatory Lab.

He understands himself as a musician who has been “enabled” by great teachers who helped him realize his own innate artistry. Now he strives to provide the same opportunities to children and adults, whatever their obstacles might be.

Anantawan is in his element as he sorts through poems his students have created to describe the emotions in Sibelius’ Finlandia, a piece he will conduct with them this fall. He smiles as he remarks, “I feel like this is the perfect place to be right now.”

*More information about Adrian Anantawan can be found at www.adriananantawan.com

Where We've Been: A Year in Performance

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:40:34 -0400

It is hard to believe that in the last ten months, our students have appeared in 28 separate public performances! From our collaboration with BalletRox in September to our final Spring Concert on June 13, they have shared their talents and joy with diverse audiences all across Boston.

Did you know?

Our students have performed for audiences of over 800, and for the mayors of Boston and Somerville
Venues have included historic Sanders Theatre, The House of Blues, The State House, The Strand Theatre, and Longy Bard’s Pickman Hall
Our students have composed and performed at least nine original compositions this year including the “Down and Out Blues,” “The Ballad of Paul Revere,” The Rockin’ Rainbows “Nature Rap,” and “Dinah’s Song” for solo violin.
They have premiered at least seven works by local composers and resident artists, including Steve Leben’s arrangement of “Yesterday,” Levi Comstock’s score to “Three Little Pigs, Inc.” and “The Nutrition Song” by Mike Moore and Josue Gonzalez.
The variety of student performances has included orchestral and choral music, hip-hop, and jazz, as well as slam poetry, three plays, and even a circus!
Through their joint concert with the Somerville Public Schools, Dudamel Orchestra helped to generate support for a new El Sistema program in their district in the fall.

Swinging and Singing With Mayor Menino!

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:40:50 -0400

On Thursday, K1 and K2 performed for Mayor Menino and City Councilor Mark Ciommo at the McKinney Playground. Dozens of Brighton residents attended the Mayor’s annual coffee hour, one of 13 scheduled this year around Boston. The Boston Police Department also attended.

Mayor Menino schedules these events each year in order to connect with local families in the community. If you would like to meet the mayor, the schedule is available on the City of Boston website.

Spring Concerts at Longy School of Music

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:18:07 -0400

El Sistema Spring Concerts will be at the Longy School of Music this Wednesday and next! Check out the events on Facebook for more details.

We hope to see you there!

Spring Concert I Featuring K1, K2, and the Abreu Orchestra

Spring Concert II Featuring Bernstein and Dudamel Orchestras

Boston Landmarks Orchestra and Conservatory Lab Charter School Collaboration

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:11:00 -0400

This unique and artistically challenging project centers on the development, composition and performance of a new work by Michael Gandolfi, well-known composer and New England Conservatory Faculty member. The piece is written specifically for two orchestras - a student orchestra, the Dudamel orchestra, and a professional orchestra, the Landmarks Orchestra. This project is just beginning, will intensify in the 2012-2013 school year, and expand into 2014 and 2015.

The accomplished composer visited the school this past Thursday for his initial viewing of the Dudamel Orchestra in rehearsal. From this visit he drew inspiration for his ultimate composition.

In order for the students to envision what the result of this collaboration could be, they will be encouraged to attend Landmarks concerts on July 18th at the Hatch Shell and July 19th at Blackstone Park in the South End. Both concerts are at 8 PM and are free and open to the public. The concerts will feature the premiere of a newly commissioned cross-over piece by Venezuelan composer Gonzalo Grau, featuring music of the Caribbean, blended with the sounds of the orchestra.

This upcoming fall, Mr. Gandolfi will work intensively with the students, sharing with them the creative process of composing and, in fact, inviting them to fully participate in the process.

In the late spring of 2013, Landmarks musicians, conductor Christopher Wilkins, and Mr. Gandolfi will be in residence at the school for two weeks in joint rehearsal with the students as they prepare the new work for performance.

Performances of the piece will take place at the Hatch Shell on July 10, 2013.

Wind Players Perform at Boston Conservatory

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:51:49 -0400

On Sunday, the wind players of Conservatory Lab performed in a collaborative concert with Keys for Kids, an after school music program in the North End. The concert was organized by Resident Artist Chris Schroeder. He shares his gratitude:

The collaborative process is one that sparks creativity and stretches our perception of our own abilities, elevating the duo or group to a greater level of performance and artistry. Today is a celebration of this collaborative spirit. From a glance at today’s program, one sees an array of duets, trios, quartets and large ensembles. But under the surface, many of the music selections are a result of my collaborations with these students from their respective programs.

When I began teaching at these programs two years ago, there was a list of standard repertoire that existed since I began playing at age 12. However none of these books could prepare me for these diverse music programs. With dedicated 5 and 6 year-old trumpet players at Keys for Kids, the seemingly limitless elementary-age wind players at Conservatory Lab and head-banging 1st graders at the North End Music and Performing Arts Center, I was in search of a way to connect with each student within these unique cultures.

The result was celebrated today through these student performances. I am so very proud of all our performers for their commitment to themselves as students, as artists and as future leaders in their communities and beyond.

A Mother's Day Serenade

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:49:24 -0400

Last Sunday, the flute players of Conservatory Lab performed a recital of solos and small ensembles in honor of mothers. Over 80 people packed into the music room to hear the students perform.

The focus of the flute recital is to showcase each student’s independence and individual growth as a performer. The skills developed in chamber music and solo performing carry into the ensemble setting and make the orchestra stronger.

Resident Artist Adam Eccleston was bursting with pride at the students accomplishment. “Each of them took me by surprise and displayed nothing less than 100% enthusiasm and dedication,” Eccleston told families. He also expressed his gratitude to the community whose support has made the recital into a bi-annual event.

May Monthly Assembly

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:13:35 -0400

The merry month of May was kicked off with fitting airs and rhythms on Friday, May 4th. An enthusiastic group of student peers, teachers, family and friends gathered together to support and celebrate the assembly of scholars and musicians who presented.

The notes played by the brass musicians working with Mr. Schroeder filled the air with confident, pure and melodic sound. They played short selections from Bach, Beethoven and Mussorgsky demonstrating that they could master the simple independence of line required by one composer, the changing keys of another, and the actual orchestral repertoire of the third. The Promenade movement at the beginning of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” is well-known and appreciated. How empowering for these young musicians to have begun to play this masterpiece!

The Abreu Percussion performed a multi-percussion piece entitled “Rhythm Rebel,” an advanced piece usually played at the middle-school level which has a familiar “call and response” section. Abreu Percussion led by Mr. Moore has been working very hard this semester and is very excited to perform “Rhythm Rebel” at the Spring Concert!

The K2 class performed their original food song, “The K2 Food Song,” in celebration of the completion of their Learning Expedition, “What’s on Your Plate?” in which students explored nutrition and healthy eating. You too can view a performance of the song on YouTube today. The monthly assembly at Conservatory Lab Charter School is a fun time to show the progress the students are making.

El Sistema Wind Players Will Present Concert at Boston Conservatory

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:30:20 -0400

The wind and brass players of Dudamel and Bernstein Orchestras will present a recital of solo and ensemble performances on May 20 at 3:00pm in the recital hall of Boston Conservatory, located at 8 The Fenway. Admission is free. Come support these talented musicians!

From Paper to Performance: K2 Becomes a Real Orchestra

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:30:01 -0400

Friday, April 13th, the kindergarten class performed their paper orchestra concert, demonstrating the skills that have prepared them for their real instruments. Among the audience were last year’s paper orchestra, who now perform as the Abreu orchestra, and the K1 class who will become the next generation of paper musicians. Family and friends gathered to watch the students perform and receive their graduation certificates from Head of School, Diana Lam.

This week, the students were ecstatic to receive their real instruments. Having learned how to balance the paper instruments and sit with performance posture, the young musicians instantly looked like naturals. For several students, the most challenging part was opening the case! They will perform on their real instruments at the Spring Concert on June 6 at the Longy School.

K2 Families Celebrate Nutrition

Following the Paper Orchestra performance, students and families headed downstairs for a cornucopia of healthy snacks and the unveiling of their new nutrition place mats, which provide illustrated information about keeping bodies strong.

A Joyful Gathering at Brimmer and May

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:18:51 -0400

Over 150 guests attended the joyful evening at Brimmer and May

The Dudamel Orchestra performed seven pieces in the Corkin Theatre.

Thank you to all our students, guests, committee members, board, staff, and volunteers who made this such a memorable evening!

Mayor of Somerville Visits Conservatory Lab

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:43:52 -0400

Conservatory Lab hosted Joe Curtatone, the Mayor of Somerville on Wednesday, April 4th for a tour of several El Sistema music classes. In his fifth term governing a city given the All American City award, Mr. Curtatone is a leader on many fronts such as President of the Massachusetts Mayor’s Association and a board member of the National League of Cities, among others. Most saliently, he is a huge supporter of the arts in education and personally knows the importance of music as part of a quality education, having been a music student in violin, trumpet and percussion for many of his own school years.

Once again, Mr. Curtatone is demonstrating his leadership by taking an active role in beginning an El Sistema after-school program at East Somerville Community School, beginning in the 2012-2013 school year. Ms. Rebecca Levi, has been the key resource and advisor from Conservatory Lab to all concerned in Somerville. Onward, Somerville!

Hundreds Gather to Celebrate Spring Fling!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:25:12 -0400

Joy radiated from stage of the Strand Theatre on Sunday. Over 800 friends, family, and neighbors came from miles around to hear the students of Conservatory Lab Charter School perform an afternoon of choral and orchestral music. Fifty-five parents volunteered as ushers, stage hands, box office managers, reception caterers, and countless other roles that made this event a magnificent success.
The event generated over $11,000 in revenue.

Prior to the performance, guests meandered through exhibits of Music and Movement, featuring interactive demonstrations by K1 students, as well as a paper orchestra show-and-tell presented by students from K2. The audience was invited to dance along and had the opportunity to make a bow-hold under a kindergartner’s supervision.

The concert, emceed by local comedian Tom Hayes, showcased the vocal and instrumental performances of both the Bernstein and Dudamel ensembles, joined by the Abreu ensemble in the final number, Shake the Papaya Down. Thank you to all who helped make this a triumphant celebration for our community!

Welcome to New Violin Resident Artist, Kathleen Jara

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:46:18 -0400

Kathleen Jara graduated from the Boston Conservatory in 2010 and has been playing and teaching locally since then. Prior to studying at the Conservatory, she worked in Peru and set up an orchestra program which is still functioning in a small private Jesuit school in a Habitat for Humanity community. Kathleen is also teaching at the Cristo Rey school in Dorchester, helping them to put together a brand-new choir. She is thrilled to join the Conservatory Lab team!

"Spring Fling" Mounting a Gale Force Momentum

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:38:19 -0400

March 25th at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester promises to be the event that ushers in Spring 2012 in a grand way. Go to the event page to order tickets.

Our second annual community concert will showcase the outstanding talents of Conservatory Lab students through orchestral and choral performances.

Featuring celebrated Boston comedian Tom Hayes as MC, students will present highlights from their work in El Sistema music ensembles and Learning Expeditions.

2:00pm Pre-concert activities will include:
- An interactive Music and Movement demonstration, led by Resident Artists and students from the K1 class
- Paper Orchestra presentation, led by El Sistema Program Director Rebecca Levi and students from the K2 class
- A Gallery of Expeditionary Learning documentation panels, led by classroom teachers

3:00pm Concert featuring vocal and instrumental performances by students from the Abreu, Bernstein, and Dudamel ensembles.

Proceeds from this concert will support the El Sistema music program at Conservatory Lab.

Order your tickets today and don’t forget to tell all your friends to do so as well! The Strand seats 1,000 folks.

Dudamel Orchestra Plays at Harvard's Historic Sanders Theatre

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:28:22 -0400

Sunday, March 4th at Sanders Theatre was the setting for a new set of impactful experiences for the Dudamel Orchestra members.

Honored to be invited by the renowned Pro Arte Orchestra of Cambridge to play the “Aperitif” section of their March concert, the students were struck, as thousands have been before them, by the incredibly beautiful design and acoustics of this historic and revered hall. Chavez was impressed by the “humongous” space and the chandelier. Kelly expressed feeling “warm” and happy" in the space, a credit to the famous design, which makes an almost 1,200 seat theatre, seem intimate. Adam, Ben and Chavez commented on the “echo” which surrounded all of them as they played. And Mark Anthony expressed feeling a sense of accomplishment as he played before the audience in that grand hall!

This concert was dedicated to the next generation of musicians who play the classics. Featured in the main concert were three outstanding young virtuosos from the local area: Mathew Wooward, 16, both a violist and a composer; Hana Zaks, 12 a violinist, and Leland Ko, 13, a cellist. All of our Dudamel Orchestra members were awestruck by the high level of performance artistry that these young musicians displayed. Adam summed it up nicely, “I felt inspired to go forth and accomplish the same in my playing!”

Listen to Japanese Lullaby, performed by the Dudamel Orchestra.

Paper Orchestra Strikes its First Chord

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:24:52 -0400

After weeks of cutting, gluing, papier-mâché, and painting, the K2 class held its first Paper Orchestra rehearsal on Monday this week. Silence fell on the room as the children, seated in orchestral formation, received their instruments and their first instructions in instrument care and positioning. In ten carefully practiced steps, the students learned to bring their instruments from rest position to playing position, a foundational skill which must be rehearsed until it can be performed effortlessly.

The students are ecstatic to begin rehearsals and share their music. As one student explained, “When everyone hears the viola, they get joy.”

February Showcase

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:00:39 -0500

Dear friends of Conservatory Lab,

I am pleased to share with you our first monthly showcase newsletter, designed to give you an exclusive glimpse into the exciting learning taking place at Conservatory Lab every day. This interactive newsletter is the next best thing to a visit to our school: a gallery tour of joyful learning expeditions and mindful music making.

Thanks to your support, we are able to offer an elementary education like none other. Based in a culture of achievement and artistry, our students develop high-level skills and apply them to solve problems and create meaningful products. This monthly newsletter is our way of saying “thank you,” for giving us the resources to nurture each child at Conservatory Lab to be a scholar, musician, and leader in our community.

I hope that you will enjoy this new publication and share it with anyone you know who wants to make a difference in education.I encourage you to visit our donation page to see the impact your gift can bring to our students’ education.

Warmly,

Diana Lam

View the February Showcase