Cooperative learning with Hartford Magnet Middle School

By Linda Pizzica

On June 9, children from the Hartford Magnet Middle School traveled to Botelle School for a day of music. Norfolk’s Patricia Daley, a member of the Hartford Symphony and music teacher at the magnet school accompanied her 18 charges. Several of the students had been in Norfolk last summer for a two-week music camp organized by Ms. Daley. They were eagerly greeted by nine sixth graders at Botelle, all with instruments in hand. Students who attend the Hartford Magnet School are accepted by a lottery after an application is submitted. They represent numerous towns, including Burlington, Cromwell and Southington. “Music is a big draw at our school,” said Ashley Groody, the percussion director. “Children want to come here just for our music program.” When asked about the music program, one student said, “It’s a big deal. The principal announces it on our loudspeaker. It gets us motivated.” Before the Fiddle Fest began, Daley put the students together in “pods” and asked them to think of a name for their team. “The Apple Pies,” “The People” and “The Unknowns” were their choices. The young musicians were then seated in two semi circles formed by a variety of instruments including violins, a trombone and several woodwind offerings. At this point, Daley helped them prepare their instruments, explaining that each is tuned differently. Meanwhile, the cello players had a private lesson with musician Sarah Garrison in another room. “Play a concert in A, you need a B to get the right note,” Daley said as each student adjusted their instrument. After careful tuning she added, “Close enough.” Then the music began. “Rest position,” Daley called, and all bows went up in unison and the other instruments stood at attention. “Nice bravado,” she told one violinist. “Who’s on the melody? Who’s on the baseline?” Bows and hands were raised enthusiastically, and before long, these 27 students were making music together. Kelly Pike, the Band Director at the magnet school explained that some of the students start off shy, and the music program makes them more outgoing. “Our marching band has a big influence on these students. We’ve taken first place in the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade three years in a row. Our sixth graders are very inspired by this.” Groody added, “We try to fit the child to the instrument. There is definitely a way to make a good fit: what is the shape of the child’s mouth? What sounds do they like? Any child of any size can play an instrument. One boy switched half way through the year from the trumpet to the tuba because he does well with the athleticism of that instrument. Our smallest student is playing one of the biggest instruments, the trombone, with little difficulty.” Following the workshop, Daley led the group in a lively Virginia Reel. Buk Jackson, mother of one of the Botelle violinists, brought in a stack of pizzas for lunch. Another practice followed and then the Hartford students took a tour of the Norfolk Historical Society before their departure. “This was a wonderful opportunity, a reminder that music is everywhere and kids are kids everywhere,” commented Liz Allen, the music teacher at Botelle. The Botelle students hope to visit the magnet school sometime this fall.