The orchestra sat in formation, quietly practicing the four pieces they have rehearsed for their performance. Richardson orchestra director Sara Long stepped onto the podium and raised her arms to conduct the first piece. Hundreds of antsy fifth graders eagerly waited for their performance.
“As part of the fifth grade curriculum, students have been studying the instruments of the symphony orchestra,” Long said. “This performance comes as a culmination of their learning and is an opportunity for them to have a positive experience listening to a symphony orchestra. I’m sure it helped influence about playing an instrument the next year.”
Following a set of sing and dance numbers from the sixth grade All-District Choir, the orchestra’s performance consisted of four songs and an instrument recognition contest among the fifth graders. The large ensemble was comprised of both Richardson and Pearce high school chamber orchestras as well as Pearce brass, woodwind and percussion players.