Making Musical Connections

Lots of learning happens during an individual lesson — and even more learning happens when a group plays music together. Upper Valley Music Center, a community music school based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, makes sure young musicians get the chance to experience both.

This April, UVMC students have several opportunities to connect with peer musicians from across New England and beyond. UVMC has curated several opportunities this spring for local students to meet other music students their age from Vermont, Connecticut, and DC. Through these connections, students exercise their ensemble skills of listening, practicing flexibility as they adjust to a new sound, and create harmony through new musical friendships.

“Meeting other students who are excited about the same things provides a level of inspiration that can’t be matched by the weekly practice and lessons,” said Erin Smith, Education Director at UVMC. “These experiences take students out of their routines, open new doors, and inspire students’ continued dedication.”

UVMC string students spent their spring break on a UVMC Tour Group trip to Washington, DC, Maryland, and Delaware. Directed by Alicia Casey, the Tour Group functions as a conductor-less chamber ensemble with members equally responsible for leading and following; they must communicate with each other to shape the music. Past trips included New York City and a tour of Upper Valley elementary schools.

On their DC trip, the Tour Group collaborated with students from the DC Youth Orchestra Program to perform at the Lincoln Memorial, learned in a Boulanger Initiative workshop about how composing can change the world, and shared their performance with more than 500 students and families.

On April 26, the UVMC cello studio, led by Ben Kulp, will welcome Sara Bennett Wolfe’s advanced Cello Choir from Connecticut. During CelloFest, the guest cellists will perform, then join UVMC cellists for an arrangement of Bach’s 1st Cello Suite Prelude.

On April 27, the Young Traditions Touring Group, an ensemble of talented teenage musicians and singers from Vermont, will include Lebanon on their tour of New England. After a 2 pm concert showcasing the traditional musical influences of New England, UVMC students will play fiddle tunes with Young Traditions musicians during a jam session from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

“These concerts are great for students enrolled in lessons and those who are not yet learning, but want to. I always encourage parents who are considering enrolling their child in lessons to attend a concert with youth performers,” Smith said. “Hearing an adult perform is one thing, but seeing another kid with an instrument allows children to imagine themselves on the path to being a musician.”

Both April events are open to the public. CelloFest, held at the First Congregational Church of Lebanon, is free; donations are appreciated. The Young Traditions Touring Group concert, also held at the First Congregational Church, is $10 to $20 for adults, free for age 18 and under.