Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high school students took time out on recent Saturdays to share their talents and a few tips with those who are still learning the ropes — or notes, as it were.
Instant Concert events — one for choir students on Jan. 18, another for those in band and orchestra on Feb. 1 — are an opportunity for younger students studying music to learn from kids who were in their shoes just a few years ago. This is the eighth year CCPS has held the program.
High school students, with the assistance of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) music teachers, spend the morning and early afternoon teaching musical selections in preparation for a concert hosted for families and friends later that same day.
“In just one day, students grow musically, build confidence and form connections with peers who share their passion for music,” Andrew Blumhardt, CCPS specialist in fine and performing arts, said.
Blumhardt selects high school mentors based on their interest in music, many of whom participated in an Instant Concert when they were just starting to play an instrument in elementary school.
“Many of the high school student-teachers I select are considering careers in music or music education,” he said. “This event allows them to develop their leadership and teaching skills in a real-world setting.”
Ninety-five elementary students participated in the choir event with 130 taking part in the orchestra and band concert. Thirty-three high school mentors volunteered and 27 CCPS staff members — 17 for band and orchestra, 10 for choir — helped bring the concerts to the stage.
Some students had to make a choice between participating in the Instant Concert Feb. 1 or competing in the winter chess tournament held the same day. “I felt this was more important,” viola player Evan Story, a fifth-grade student at Gale-Bailey Elementary School, said. “It felt like it was once in a lifetime.”
In a few years, Story may be among the high school students who volunteer to mentor younger musicians.
“The Instant Concert instills in our youngest students the joy of performing, gives our high school mentors the fulfillment of giving back to an event they once participated in and allows our teachers to witness their students’ love of music continue to grow,” Blumhardt said.
The choir concert was held at Westlake High School with the band and orchestra concert hosted at St. Charles High School.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).