MUSIC MAKES FAMILIES AND FRIENDS…FAMILIES AND FRIENDS MAKE MUSIC

CARY, NC – The Mallarmé Chamber Players are offering an extraordinary program of hands-on music-making events for the entire family, regardless of age or musical training, on Saturday, October 25^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center in Cary.  “Music Makes Families and Friends – Families and Friends Make Music” is a day-long event of creative musical activities aimed at amateur musicians as well as “wanna-be’s,” parents and children.  Participatory class sessions will range from ensemble master classes to rhythm for toddlers.  

For those who have always wanted to make beautiful music but somehow never got beyond singing in the shower, amateur instrumentalists who have dreamed of performing with professionals, or those wondering how to reinforce and guide their toddler’s love of rhythm and music, this event is the perfect opportunity.  

The program is an outgrowth of Mallarmé’s annual Chamber Music Workshop for students, which they have held for the past ten years in collaboration with the Durham Music Teachers Association. The project was designed with three objectives: 1) encourage and support amateur family members who study or play an instrument, offering students an opportunity to take master classes from, and play in concert with, Mallarmé’s professional musicians, 2) give basic music appreciation skills to those who do not play, and 3) enhance the professional development of music teachers by demonstrating the transforming value of music for individuals, families, and communities.  

“Music Makes Families and Friends - Families and Friends Make Music” is an expansion of this successful program. Clinicians include fifteen professional musicians, a dancer, and a composer, who will lead more than 20 participatory sessions, including master classes with some of the area’s most outstanding performers.  

For young children, there is “Music for Parents and Pre-Schoolers,” an introduction to singing and rhythmic movement, aimed not only at promoting musical interest but at physical and social development; and the ever-popular “Bang on a Can,” instrument making and rhythmic improvising with “found” instruments. For their parents, “How to Enable Your Musical Child” will offer guidelines for promoting musical interest and success in children’s music study.  Adults as well as children will enjoy the “Instrument Petting Zoo” which offers participants a chance to try their hand (with professional guidance) at a variety of orchestral instruments. Another workshop will cover the basics of what to listen for in a concert.

Participants will play a prepared piece for evaluation by a panel of artists and teachers.  Admission for both classes is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the recommendation of the applicant’s instructor is required.  

The day will culminate with an hour-long concert of song, dance, and instrumental music by all participants—clinicians, parents, students, and volunteers.  

Mallarmé Chamber Players is an organization of about two dozen professional musicians in the Triangle area (the number fluctuates with the demands of a given season’s repertoire).  Under founding director Anna Ludwig Wilson, Mallarmé’s musicians have dedicated their fine talent and infectious enthusiasm to community enrichment, and music education at all levels has been an important aspect of its mission. Performing frequently in schools and institutional settings as well as concert halls, the group has won critical acclaim on tour and throughout the Triangle.  This year, Mallarmé is celebrating its 20th season of uniquely appealing performances—chatting with the audiences, explaining the music, demonstrating the instruments—always exemplifying its motto, “Music Among Friends.”  

Registration is $25 per person for the full day, or $15 for a half day.  Class participation is available on a first come first serve basis.  The Page-Walker Arts & History Center is located at 119 Ambassador Loop in Cary .  Pre-register using course code # 15577 at all Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facilities.  For additional information, call (919) 460-4963.  Participants may also register at the door.