Local Children win Stamford Symphony Music Bee
Twenty exceptional students from the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford stood ready to face a barrage of questions. They had been selected from among 120 students to compete in the third annual Stamford Symphony's Music Bee based on their excellent performance in a 13-week music appreciation program offered at the Boys & Girls Club which is sponsored annually by High Ridge Park Corporate Center. The Music Bee took place June 15, 2010 at the Boys & Girls Club.
Teaching artists Eliot Bailen and Peter Prosser from the Stamford Symphony began the questioning. Famous composers. Orchestral instruments. Musical symbols. All questions were based on the program curriculum and children were awarded points for correct answers. After several rounds of competition, five students had provided the most correct answers. Tying for third place were Reynell Burke (age 8), Saba Surguladze (age 10), and Roger Zhirzhan (age 11). In second place was Angelo Perez (age 9). The Grand Prize winner of the Stamford Symphony Music Bee was Rashawn Lawson (age 11).
The Music Bee is the culminating event of an after-school music appreciation program that was designed by the Stamford Boys & Girls Club and the Stamford Symphony. Susan Webb, Education Manager with the Stamford Symphony notes the accomplishments of the students involved: "The Music Bee is meant to be a celebration of the program the children have completed. I'm so impressed with their interest and passion for what they've learned." "Watching the musicians and students interact is fulfilling. Both really grasp why this music appreciation program is so beneficial," said Mike Cotela, Executive Director of the Stamford Boys & Girls Club.
The program would not be possible without the support of High Ridge Park Corporate Center. "We look forward to the Music Bee more and more as the program continues to grow," said Jodi Gutierrez, VP of Property Management for George Comfort & Sons and On-Site Property Manager of High Ridge Park Corporate Center. "Children who participate in the program gain valuable learning skills that can be applied to many different aspects of their lives." High Ridge Park donates $10,000 each year to the Stamford Boys and Girls Club to fund the music appreciation program. The program, open to children in grades 1-5, was developed and taught by the Stamford Symphony, and meets the Connecticut Education Standards for Social Studies. The program is also supported by the City of Stamford Community Arts Partnership Program. Prizes were awarded. Prizes for the Music Bee were donated by local businesses.
