EMFkids 2012: Tuesday, Week 1

Now that everyone has gotten to know one another we were able to jump right into our singing and movement activities first thing this morning.  We sang some new songs and reviewed some of the favorites from Monday.


Our instrument family of the day was the brass section, so at orchestra rehearsal we visited the trumpet, french horn, trombone, bass trombone, and tuba.  The bass trombone and tuba's extremely low notes were pretty impressive.


Back in our classroom we played with various rhythmic instruments from the percussion section.  Everyone had a chance to hold and play drums, tambourine, woodblock, guiro, cowbell, jingle bells, castanets, and sandblock to accompany a recording of John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever"


Beyond exploring ways of playing these instruments, we've also started describing the types of sounds each can make (short/long, high/low, etc).  Tomorrow we have an art activity where each child will paint what they hear while listening to a piece of music (please don't wear your best clothes tomorrow- we may get a bit messy!)


Looking forward to seeing each of the campers tomorrow,


-'Miss Susannah'
Susannah Steele

EMFkids 2012: Monday, Week 1

We had a great first day of camp with EMFkids this morning!  Here are some of the things we did today:


*Sang and moved to several new songs - it took a little warming up, but by the end of the morning I was happy to see nearly everyone singing along.  We're aiming for 100% participation on all our activities.
*Learned about the four families of instruments: brass, woodwind, percussion, and strings.  We read a story, listened to and described their sounds, and talked about they are played.
*Visited the woodwind family following an orchestral rehearsal.  We got to see and hear a flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, bassoon, contrabassoon, and clarinet.
*Got to see a flute up close, touch, and play the keys.
*Played rhythm sticks with songs, recorded music, and to create sound effects (a rainstorm)


We have lots of fun activities planned for tomorrow, so get plenty of rest tonight!  Please let me or any of the other teachers (Stephanie and Diana) know if you have questions or concerns.  We'll look forward to seeing your children in the morning!


-'Miss Susannah'
Susannah Steele

Our Festival Orchestra Series Gets Off to a Great Start!

Last night was the first concert in our Festival Orchestra Series featuring the Eastern Festival Orchestra and conductor Gerard Schwarz. Each week this faculty orchestra performs some of the greatest repertoire for orchestra and features a renowned guest artist. Last night the guest artist was Vladimir Feltsman, the Moscow-born pianist who is a regular soloist with the best orchestras around the world. He performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, op.37 to overwhelming approval. His musicality, technique, and interaction with the orchestra made it a joy to listen to. The orchestra also performed Prelude to Black Swan by Bright Sheng and Symphony No. 3 in C minor, op.78 by Saint-Saens with Andre Lash on organ.

Click here to head over to CVNC for the complete review of this excellent season opener.

The 51st Season is Underway!

We had a long morning of registration for students and faculty (with a few breaks for donuts and pizza) but finally, almost everyone is here! We have a Student Welcome Ceremony this evening at 6:00 pm, a picnic with the faculty, and then the season has started! We can't wait for rehearsals to start and the great music to begin.

2011 EMF Kids & EMF Explorers Surveys

If you/your child participated in the EMF Kids or EMF Explorers camp this summer, we would love to hear about how we can continue to improve!

For the EMF Kids survey, click HERE.

For the EMF Explorers survey, click HERE.

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback!

2011 EMF Student Survey

Please click HERE to take the survey! We appreciate your feedback!

2011 Eastern Music Festival Audience Surveys

Been to an EMF performance lately? If so, we need your feedback so that we can continue to improve your EMF experience! By completing this survey and submitting your email address, you will be entered to win a pair of tickets to a performance of your choice during EMF's 2012 season!


If you have attended an EMF classical performance, click here for the EMF Classical Survey.

If you have attended an EMFfringe performance, click here for the EMFfringe Survey.


We thank you in advance for your valuable feedback!