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The
Cochran Consort
Description and Purpose:
The COCHRAN CONSORT, begun in 1993, founded and directed by myself,
consists of approximately 20 fourth and fifth graders. The CONSORT is
distinctly different from all other performing groups (band, orchestra, or
chorus) in that they showcase classroom music activities and skills. These
are performed at the highest level of independent and internal
musicianship; which means, the students perform and improvise musically
with all interrelated elements without the external guidance of a
conductor. Overall, the Williamsport classroom music program is the
foundation of all the school district's bands, orchestras, and choruses.
The CONSORT's rehearsals are before or after school hours. These dedicated
students willingly sacrifice their own time for this extra-curricular
activity. The students learn a show of 8-10 selections which includes many
facets of classroom music. They perform instrumentally on xylophones,
metallophones, glockenspiels, recorders, and many formal and folk
instruments. They perform vocally with rhythmic speech and singing. Music
is created on the spot through rhythmic and melodic improvisation. Many of
the selections are accompanied with free as well as specific rhythmic
choreography. Various multi-cultural and multi-styles are represented,
such as ethnic, folk, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic,
contemporary, jazz, and blues to name a few.
When the show is mastered, the CONSORT performs throughout the community.
Local performances have been at the Capitol Arts Theater grand opening,
various nursing homes, the Old Jail Craft Center, the Ross and Country
Clubs, the Newberry Lioness Club, the Williamsport Consistory, the
Williamsport Lions Club, the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, and the Penn
Laurel Chapter American Business Women's Club. Dress is black pants/skirts
and white shirts/blouses, accented with red sequined cummerbunds, bow
ties, and vests to highlight the Williamsport "Millionaire" colors.
The priority of every performance is to promote positive public relations
toward music education in our schools and music appreciation in the
community.
Select Consort Credits:
Invited to present a demonstration session at the PMEA Conference,
Monroeville, PA, April, 1997. The session, titled ADVOCACY AND CLASSROOM
MUSIC, focused on how public performances of artistic classroom music
promotes music advocacy.
Invited to perform in the State Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, PA, for
Music-In-Our-Schools-Month; March 26, 1996.
Invited to perform at the MENC Eastern Division Conference, Rochester, NY,
March, 1995. As quoted from the invitation: "The selection process was
highly competitive, and groups chosen to perform represent the highest
standard of excellence in musical achievement!"
Invited to perform at the American Orff-Schulwerk Association's National
Conference, in Philadelphia, PA; November 11, 1994 |
