Canton Summer Music

GMS teacher Betsy Pabon leads the Canton Summer Orchestra in front of the high school.

The Canton Public Schools’ Performing Arts Department wrapped up another successful Summer Music Program with an outdoor public concert on Friday, August 20.

Now in its 12th year, the weeklong program offers budding musicians in grades 5-9 a chance to practice their skills while learning some new ones. Many high school musicians serve as “music mentors” and help build a positive culture that often carries into the school year at GMS and CHS. Students and music mentors join to form the Canton Summer Orchestra under the direction of GMS teacher Betsy Pabon and the Canton Summer Band under the direction of CHS teacher Brian Thomas.

“This is one of my favorite weeks of the year,” remarked Mr. Thomas. “The opportunity to connect with and build relationships with my current and future students and their families is priceless. This year was particularly special coming off an 18-month period of not being able to rehearse together in a traditional setting. We were proud to have run the program remotely in 2020, but there is nothing like being together.”

“As a teacher, the CPS Summer Orchestra 2021 was a great way to connect with new students entering the ensemble programs as well as reconnect with returning students before the start of the school year,” noted Ms. Pabon. “Several of the orchestra students had started learning their instrument virtually during the pandemic and had never played in front of or with another person. What a joy for all of us to finally be making music together!”

See this week’s Citizen for more summer music photos. Click here to subscribe today.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=76465

Posted by Canton Citizen on Sep 3 2021. Filed under Photo Gallery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.