To the editor:
As I began another year of teaching a few weeks ago, I started reflecting on the incredible live music experiences my students had last year.
Throughout the year, all Rockport students were treated to amazing performances in their schools.
The Education and Outreach Committee of Rockport Music plans these events for Rockport and other communities. We are extremely fortunate to work with this amazing organization. Here is a summary of what happened in our school system just last year.
Concerts in our schools:
Ten Tumbao, a Latin group, played for Grades 1, 2, and multi-age, as well as a concert in the high school foyer.
Native American flute demonstration for Grades 1, 3, 5
Harlem String quartet played for Grades 1, 2, and 1 and 2 multi-age classes as well as for students in the middle and high school.
Celtic music and step dancing by Emerald and Sean played for assorted Grades 3, 4 and 4-5 multi-age classes.
Carnival of the Animals performance for kindergarten students.
Jose Franch-Ballaster, a master clarinetist, worked with fourth-, fifth-grade and high school student clarinetists. He also performed a concert for fourth-graders and kindergarten classes.
Brass Quintet from New England Conservatory gave a performance to all third-graders.
Instrumental Music from India was a tabla and sitar performance from the ethnocology department of Salem State, and percussionist Matt Pert performed for various classes.
Other concerts and events provided by Rockport Music:
Free community concerts: Ten Tumbao in October, Harlem String quartet in February and Jose Franch-Ballaster in April.
Free family concerts on Saturday mornings: Motif No. One Day in May 21 with an instrument petting zoo and Back Bay Brass; Jupiter Quartet in June and Ten Tumbao in July.
Free use of the Shalin Liu Performance Center for Rockport high school and middle school chamber concerts and student recitals.
Music Career Panel — a panel of adults in different music jobs speaking about their individual non-performance careers.
Tickets for students are free for most concerts. Just go to or call the box office.
Please help me in thanking Rockport Music by supporting their events and concerts, and stay alert for a similar year of events starting in October.
Peace through music.
FRAN PIERCE
Elementary Music Specialist
Rockport Elementary School
