It’s common to find artwork created by children in the schools, but how often do students have the chance to create music? As Emily Bright found out, a program at the SOAR Charter School in Land O’Lakes allows students to do just that.
The SOAR charter school is one of four schools in the country to take part in Very Young Composers, a week-long program that offers middle school students the chance to compose their own music. Students pair with local professional musicians. Northland Pines Band Director Forrest Mann says no formal music training is required.
“Everyone has musical thoughts and ideas. The kids sing, tap, play on piano, even if they don’t have piano experience, dance, yell, shout—whatever they need to get their musical ideas out-- and associated musician writes that down.”
The associate professional musicians performed the students’ music—with the students conducting—last night. Seventh grader Nick Parins composed a soundtrack to a battle scene from his favorite book.
“My piece is called “Knights to Arms.” I tried to imagine what music would be playing if there were some kind of band there.”
In addition to the musical knowledge, students gain a huge boost in self esteem hearing what they created. 11 students participated this year, and the program hopes to grow in the future.
