Write a commentStudents from across Oswego and Onondaga counties recently gathered for The Echo, a unique music education event organized by the CiTi BOCES Arts-in-Education program.
Teachers and high school choral students from Phoenix, Hannibal, Central Square and Liverpool joined with Syracuse University students and special guest Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett to learn new techniques, enhance musical literacy and make outstanding music.
This month marks the first gathering of The Echo, which began this year. Hosted at Central Square’s Paul V. Moore High School, the day-long event gave teachers new rehearsal techniques while giving students direct experience with a lead conductor. Joining participants was Dr. Marques L.A. Garrett, lead conductor at the University of Texas. Garrett introduced students to advanced techniques alongside personal anecdotes and was well-appreciated by all in attendance.
Garrett’s participation was made possible through a collaboration with Dr. John Warren, Professor of Choral Students at Syracuse University, who had originally invited Garrett to work with Syracuse’s own choirs. His work at Syracuse is thanks to the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorship Program.
“This program is vital because it fosters collaboration between so many different people,” said Christian J. Oliver, one of The Echo’s organizers. “In that rehearsal space, there was no pressure of a performance, no worries about who is the best. They built community through singing, learning and laughing together.”
Event organizers hope that the program will continue to expand into different music ensemble areas such as band and orchestra, while also considering different performance levels. Opportunities like this provide educators and students a chance to share and learn.
“Teachers were able to walk away with a piece of music they could bring back to their classrooms the next day,” added Oliver. “Students left connecting with other students who enjoy making music for the pure joy of music-making. It infused community, teamwork, awareness, joy and connection -- and isn’t that what the arts are all about?”
Organizers would like to thank the Central Square School District, Dr. Heidi Sweeney, Veronica Mainville, Syracuse University, Dr. John Warren, CiTi BOCES and the many individuals who make these events possible and truly show the value of arts education for all.
