'Awesome' is response to EMMA-funded project at Webster school
By Lorraine Thompson
Fifteen fourth graders at Webster Elementary School surprised even themselves. As they raised their bows in unison and began playing their violins for the first time together, they followed the cue of music teacher Sheryl Nelson, who measured the timing and called out the notes. At the end of the exercise and with their equipment in rest position, they sat silently until a beaming Nelson exclaimed, "That was beautiful!" She was countered by the quick response from one of the young boys who blurted out, "No, it was awesome!" [ more ]
EMMA SCHOOL CONCERTS
For 30 years the EMMA Concert Association has organized free concerts for school students in St. Johns County. "It gives the students a taste of a different form of good music," said Jack Page, EMMA's school and community director. EMMA produces at least two school concerts per year for school children of all ages. The concerts were held in the St. Augustine High School Auditorium; during the 2008-2009 school year, concerts have been held in elementary schools to avoid busing costs. [ more ]
In 2008, EMMA launched and funded a new program, Jack Page Projects. In cooperation with local schools, Jack will determine special music-related needs of school children and will present them to the EMMA Board for agreement. The new EMMA program follows a successful initiative that resulted in EMMA donating 15 violins for a new class at Webster Elementary School. Jack arranged for the violin purchase and donation.
By April, 2009, three Jack Page Projects had been suggested by Jack and completed. They typically involved about $500 of sheet music and instrument repairs; funds were provided by EMMA to Webster, Otis Mason and Gamble Rogers schools.