Stellae Boreales – An Ottawa Suzuki Strings Violin Ensemble

Yesterday was my favourite day of the trip, because all the places we went to had funny moments.  Our first stop was the Spy Museum where the highlight was the gift shop (of course, for every museum).  They sold the coolest items like a shock pen that everyone tried afterward (except you guys, OB-L, SK and JL).  JW even tried shocking his earlobe and got an extremely weird feeling and reaction.  We rode the bus to Abingdon Elementary School.  All the kids greeted us and we ate lunch in the cafeteria where the tables folded up into the wall!  After the spectacular performance the woman in charge gave us cupcakes!  What was funny was that when UM was grabbing one, she spilt a couple and it got all over her skirt.  Some even fell on the floor!  I went to my friends' rooms after we got back to the hotel.  After the pizza buffet, we went to see Shear Madness, a funny play about a case of murder.  There were many references made like the Capital One catch phrase and a song from Avril Lavigne (Girlfriend).  This was my favourite part of the wonderful day at Washington DC and vicinity.    ~KL

Today we were warmly welcomed at our final concert at Abingdon Elementary School by violist Kristin Gomez, Abingdon’s highly accomplished Suzuki strings teacher.  Our Stellae Boreales performers were in top form as they played to a rapt and appreciative audience of grades 2 to 5 students and teachers.  Rosemarie Klimasko hosted the concert, engaging the audience with informative and humorous anecdotes throughout.  A group of Abingdon violinists, violists and cellists waited quietly in eager anticipation of their participation in the final piece on the program – a joint performance with Stellae Boreales of French Folk Song.  It was such a joy to share the experience of this concert and see children inspiring other children.  All the teachers including Kristin and pianist Mr. Green were so enthusiastic in their praise of the concert and many students expressed their enjoyment of the concert as they filed out of the performance hall.

In speaking with Kristin afterwards, I learned of the incredible support of the “Suzuki in the Schools” program.  At Abingdon, students pay just $5.00 per year for the exclusive use of an instrument, 1 private lesson per week and 1 group class per week (which will be increased to 2 group classes per week next year).  When Kristin founded the program at Abingdon 8 years ago, it was a struggle to convince fellow teachers of the validity and effectiveness of the Suzuki program.  The merit of the program can be seen in the results attained.  By the time these Suzuki-trained students reach middle school, they are always the most developed and accomplished in listening, ensemble playing, intonation and tone production.  They enjoy music as well which is so important!

Mention must also be made of the delicious cupcakes we were treated to.  There’s something about music and food that goes so well together.  As Shakespeare said: “If music be the food of love, sing on.”   Music is a universal language and we made many new friends at Abingdon Elementary School today.    ~JG (accompanist)