First Elementary Honors Music Festival Planned Saturday

About 130 elementary school students from throughout Central Illinois will attend the first Elementary Honors Music Festival at Illinois State University from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24.  The event is presented by the Heart of Illinois Orff Chapter in conjunction with Illinois State University.  All events are free and open to the public.

Participating students have been nominated by their teachers and choose to participate in choir, Orff ensemble, World Drumming Ensemble, recorders or dance/movement.

A festival-opening concert at 9 a.m. in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall will feature the Metcalf OrffCats and the Pekin Washington Elementary Orff Ensemble.  Rehearsals will proceed during the morning at Thomas Metcalf School, Cook Hall, Centennial West and the CPA.  Small groups will be taught by local teachers Melissa Miller, Lisa Penner, Rose Wright, Donna Zawatski, Sue Keeble, Leah McCray, Christin Keyes, Rachel Aupperell and Rebecca Fletcher.  

A closing concert at 1 p.m. in the concert hall will include teacher Melissa Miller conducting the final combined piece, “Harambee” by Will Schmidt.