Performance by the Bulldog Chamber Orchestra
By: Steven Fernandez, Orchestra Director at Brighton Area Schools
Jingle Bells Performers with directors Joseph Alcocer (far left) and Steven Fernandez (far right)
The Bulldog Chamber Orchestra was founded in order to give 7-12 grade students an opportunity to play in an ensemble. In our second year of the program, we only offer orchestra classes in 5th and 6th grade, but will be expanding to the 7th grade next year. As the program expands through the grade levels, the BCO will continue to be offered to students in grades 7-12. In its infancy, the group now has five students.
We recently gave our premiere concert at Caretel Inns in Brighton, an assisted living facility. Playing at this venue was mutually beneficial, as we had a much larger audience than had we only invited families. The residents were elated to have us, noting that a string ensemble was a welcome addition to the series of guitarist songwriters they had previously hosted. As a bonus, performing at Caretel Inns also saved us the cost of renting a performance space.
Too often for middle schoolers, music is about “me”. By performing for a rapt audience of Caretel residents, we hoped to provide students with an experience of giving to others through music.
Holiday Features: Giving Back to the Community Through Music Performance
During the Month of December, the blog will feature ensembles that are giving back to the community. If you would like to include a piece about your ensemble’s community performance, send an email to: mastanotes@gmail.com.