ClefWorks’ second season, Stay Tuned 2008 – which incorporates innovative programming through community outreach events – hit early high notes this past January and February with engaging performances at the Montgomery Cancer Center, Carver Elementary School, Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School and the YMCA. A special thanks to returning ClefWorks musicians Gabby Diaz (violin) and Katerina Juraskova (cello), as well as Manuel Diaz (viola) and Betty Anne Diaz (piano), for their wonderful performances designed to touch patients and employees of the Montgomery Cancer Center as well as leaders of area organizations who have joined forces in their mutual fight against cancer.

Shortly thereafter, four returning ClefWorks musicians reached more than 500 children ages 3 to 18 through nine master classes and six performances led by violinist and ClefWorks artistic director Ben Sung as he and fellow musicians Matt Dunlap (guitar), Hrant Parsamian (cello) and Jihye Chang (piano) worked with groups of music students to provide immediate hands-on instruction and constructive criticism. At BTW and Carver, ClefWorks musicians visited individual classrooms where students performed and received feedback. Ben Sung and Hrant Parsamian went to strings classrooms, Jihye Chang worked with piano students and Matt Dunlap worked with young guitarists. These unique master classes served many purposes. Both the student performers and their classmates learned to listen for and recognize technical elements such as rhythm, pitch, tone and phrasing, in addition to more general matters of musical style and expression. Another especially fun feature of ClefWorks’ educational outreach programming was when several very young children at the YMCA were given the chance to try playing undersized instruments including cello and violin. And all the students were treated to outstanding performances by ClefWorks’ four world-class musicians – a unique and inspiring opportunity for children and music students in the Montgomery community.

In addition to community outreach programs, ClefWorks’ Artistic Committee is working closely with Ben Sung to develop programming for several public performances this August. Please “stay tuned” for updates. If you’ve not already signed up to receive ClefNotes, the ClefWorks monthly e-newsletter, click here.