Music to Our Ears

One of the joys of creating Art Days at Denver area elementary schools is the ability to bring talented musicians from our community into our schools to share their skill, knowledge, and passion with our students. March is Music in the Schools Month, so it seems like a perfect time to let readers know about some of the wonderful artisans who are part of our Art Days.

Mary Ellen Garrett—takes students on a multi-cultural experience sharing songs and instruments from many countries in her “World Music Sing-A-Long”.

Wild Beautiful Orchestra—is a group of professional and youth musicians coordinated by a D.U. professor, who share the beauty of instrumental music with students.

Deepali Lindblom—is an exquisite dancer and storyteller, originally from India, whose beautiful and energetic spirit fills the room and inspires young people throughout our community. 

Inside the Orchestra—is a local non-profit that (in non-COVID times) brings musicians from each section of the orchestra who locate themselves around the perimeter of the gym.  Students then sit “inside the orchestra” to learn about the various types of instruments and to enjoy beautiful music.

Central City Opera— has graciously modified their programming to accommodate COVID restrictions, sharing both in-person and virtual performances and sessions on Yoga and the Voice and Mindfulness and Music. 

Bob Hall—the talented drummer whom you met last month, who brings the rhythm of African music to our students, as they each learn to play on his collection of authentic Djembes. 

These musicians, along with dancers, actors, artists, storytellers, and others combine to create the wonderful patchwork quilt that is a CRI ART DAY.  The smiles on the faces of the students and the oft-heard comment from kids and teachers, “This is the BEST day ever!” are truly “MUSIC TO OUR EARS!”