Professional Musicians work with Lower and Middle School Students

On Friday, October 8, Lower School Students in grades 2-5 and Middle School students in Grades 6-8 were delighted with a musical trip around the world, presented by professional marimbist Greg Giannascoli. The concert-lecture included musical selections from almost every continent played by Mr. Giannascoli on his concert-sized marimba and accompanied by Sebastian Corneau on piano. Many of the audience favorites were classical tunes engrained in our culture, such as “Flight of the Bumblebee” by Rimsky-Korsakov, William Tell Overture by Rossini, and “Rhapsody in Blue” by Gershwin. Mr. Giannascoli gave a brief introduction of each piece, noting musical nuances that the students should observe. Not only did he play marimba, he also demonstrated conducting techniques and answered questions raised by many curious and engaged concert-goers.

Lower and Middle Students were thrilled to start their day with a special musical concert, an experience that they will be able to discuss and critique in their General music classroom.

Conservatory Quartet String Orchestra Workshop

On Thursday October 14, Lower and Middle School strings students were invited to workshop lessons with the performers of the Conservatory Quartet. The Quartet, a group fronted by All-Division strings teacher Dorothy Sobieski, was invited to play at the Fall Convocation. Afterwards, Violinist Christopher Collins Lee, Violinist Gary Ianco, and Cellist Jameson Platte stayed at school to give workshops to the strings students from beginning level through 8th grade. In the workshops, the professional musicians discussed instrumental techniques and gave constructive critique to the young instrumentalists.

Both instrumental events for Lower and Middle School students were organized by Dorothy Sobieski, All-Division strings teacher and lower school general music teacher.

To see video of Greg Giannascoli, Marimba Artist, or view photos and video of the strings workshop, please visit the multimedia gallery.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.