Lower School Spring Music Concert Blooms With Talent

The Barn, our Lower Campus Gym, served as the new performance venue and was filled to the brim with excited families ready to hear the hard work of young musicians from Pre-Kindergarten to 7th Grade. The String Program has seen remarkable growth, starting with 13 violinists and one cellist at its inaugural concert in 2022, and has since expanded to 65 violinists and 17 cellists. The program utilizes the Suzuki method of instruction, teaching students their instruments just as they would endeavor to learn a new language. With proper exposure to great music, good physical setup, constant repetition, parental support, and positive environments, students quickly learn to make beautiful music. Lower School Music Assistant Specialist Pedram Pourghazi noted, "We welcome everybody of all ages and levels, and within a few short months, even the youngest students can play simple parts with the more advanced students."

The audience could sense the excitement from the young musicians as they passionately shared pieces ranging from popular tunes like "It's a Small World," the jazzy blues of "Boogie Woogie," fiddle classics "Cripple Creek" and "Irish Washerwoman," along with timeless classical melodies from Dvořák's "Humoresque" to Handel's "Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus." The string groups at Sierra Canyon provide students with a high-level musical education, and the relationships built through playing music together are invaluable.

Dr. Lauren Deutsch, Lower School Music Specialist, expressed gratitude for her dedicated team of teachers and musicians. "Mr. Pourghazi, violin teacher Sepideh Sharifdashty, cello teachers Rachel Coossaia and Thomas Lovasz have all worked to instill a passion for music in the students," she said, "We aim to teach the instruments at a high level, but our overarching goal is to help make a society of good citizens and build a loving and kind community."

For current and prospective families interested in learning more about the string program, Dr. Deutsch will hold an information session in the Lower Campus Amphitheater on Wednesday, May 29, at 8:45 a.m.