{"id":12506,"date":"2019-03-03T20:00:47","date_gmt":"2019-03-04T01:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=12506"},"modified":"2019-06-20T13:07:20","modified_gmt":"2019-06-20T17:07:20","slug":"sympatico-musicians-turn-composers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/news\/?p=12506","title":{"rendered":"ASO Sympatico Musicians Turn Composers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Students at John Adams turned composers last week when they performed their own original music at a public concert to celebrate Black History Month.<\/p>\n

The compositions were the result of their annual one-week \u201cCreative Connections\u201d workshop<\/a>, part of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Sympatico music program at the school. During the workshop, outside teaching artists \u2014 who are specially trained to help children creatively explore and express stories, ideas and emotions through music \u2014 came to work alongside Sympatico faculty and students. Together they guided the students in composing original works around the theme, \u201cA World of Dreams,\u201d ranging from chorus and fiddle music to music for a bucket band and glockenspiel.<\/p>\n

\"Cantamos

Cantamos Choir Ensemble<\/p><\/div>\n

The ASO Sympatico program uses intensive music instruction and frequent performances as a way of improving academic performance, school attendance and fostering important life skills. Launched in fall 2014, the program has grown steadily, with 130 participants this school year.<\/p>\n

Students have the option of joining one of six musical ensembles that rehearse every day before and after school. Each ensemble is taught by a John Adams teacher who, because of their daily interaction with ASO Sympatico participants, have developed close relationships with the students and their families. There is no cost to families for participating and no prerequisites for enrolling. ASO Sympatico serves students of all abilities, musical and otherwise, as well as those with special needs.<\/p>\n

\"Fifth-grader

Fifth grader Eddy Paz is a member of the Fiddle Factory ensemble<\/p><\/div>\n

Fifth grader Yosias Surafel joined ASO Sympatico as a first grader and was immediately drawn to the bucket band. He was one of the students who played their original composition, along with the solo he composed for himself, as part of The Percussion Experience ensemble.<\/p>\n

I felt like I did something important. I made a piece of music with my friends. Not many people get to play music to the whole school. It felt like something really special,\u201d said Yosias.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n