The Center for Future Audiences and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic recently brought professional expertise to North Middle School. Specifically, on April 17th, Associate Conductor Thomas Wilson visited the District 11 middle school to lead an engaging “Conductor in the Classroom” session. He spent the morning working with thirty members of the 7th and 8th-grade orchestra and the school’s dedicated jazz band.
Thomas began the session by sharing his professional score for the upcoming Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back concert. He invited the students to examine the complex music at the end of class. Furthermore, he explained that every conductor brings a unique style to the podium. To begin their work, the group rehearsed “Mountain Hymn,” where Thomas focused heavily on intonation and bow technique. He encouraged the violas to use their full bows and coached the cellos on sustaining specific notes.
The rehearsal continued with a lesson on dynamics. When the orchestra reached a fortissimo passage, Thomas taught the students that true volume comes from increased bow speed. Consequently, the orchestra’s sound became noticeably more cohesive and powerful. Thomas then transitioned to the piece “Force of Nature,” where he challenged the students to master difficult cues and accents. Additionally, he provided similar professional feedback to the fourteen musicians in the jazz band, praising their energy and improvement.
Ultimately, these sessions prepare students for a major upcoming performance. Both the North Middle School orchestra and jazz band will perform in the lobby of the Pikes Peak Center on April 26th for D11 Day. This event takes place during the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s Masterworks Concert of Marsalis/Rachmaninoff at the Pikes Peak Center. We invite the community to arrive early and support these incredible young musicians as they showcase their hard work.
