by Bridges Director, Betsy Ko
After an exciting day of MeritFest performances on Thursday, Merit and Symphony Center staff woke up on Friday, May 1st and did it all over again. What a great way to end the week! Our second day of MeritFest 2009 featured performers from 28 Bridges sites who performed in one of two large string orchestras, Concert Choir, ethnic percussion ensemble and piano ensembles. We were also delighted to showcase the string ensemble from Kelly High School in the Brighton Park community. Over the last 18 months, Merit faculty have been providing supplemental coaching to Kelly’s string students through the Fidelity FutureStage Program.
When I wasn’t directing the flow of student traffic, I had a few moments to shoot these videos. I hope that you enjoy them!
Here is the advanced string orchestra rehearsing the Allegro from Handel’s Water Music under the direction of Merit faculty member Patrick Rustandi:
Under the guidance of Merit instructors Doug Brush, Jean Leroy, Dominique Louis and Taylor, ethnic percussion students from Barton, Pulaski, Salazar and Tarkington each took turns performing rhythms of West Africa and Haiti:
I’d like to close with a big bravo to all of our performers over this wonderful two day event and my huge thanks to the many, many people at Merit, Symphony Center and our sites who helped to make MeritFest 2009 a big success!!!
Betsy – another great job!! The strings group that closed it all out was such a joy. Those little ones did so well coming together as one huge string orchestra.