By Manal Museitef |Staff Writer|
The melodies and variations of string instruments synchronized in perfect harmony on May 17 in a special collaborative concert at CSUSB’s very own Performing Arts Recital Hall.
The director of Chamber Orchestra, Michele Brosseau-Tacchia has created a multi-level orchestrated program which gives young musicians from elementary, middle and high school the opportunity to perform at a collegiate level.
It has always been a dream of hers to combine different young talents ever since the beginning of her career as a music educator. After working with students in the county and at local schools, Brosseau-Tacchai was offered a chance to make her dream into a reality.
“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t be great if we could all play it again, together?’ So when I was asked I knew what I wanted to do,” said Brosseau-Tacchai.
She began recruiting potential musicians. Players from Elementary Magnet Schools Honor Orchestra from Palm Avenue Elementary, Symphonie Jeuenesse from Youth Orchestra for Strings and the CSUSB Chamber Orchestra evidently made a lasting impression that soon became known as the Chamber Orchestra.
The collected group of over 50 has learned three new songs since January, not including “Styres’ Rally” which was known to be the most difficult song. The talented group however, learned it in just one month.
Pieces such as “Irish Legend” echoed the heavy sounds of the violin and strings accompanied by an up-beat drum set.
CSUSB student Karina Lozano enjoyed the concert even though it was a requirement for her Music 180 course. “I liked the performances a lot especially how the violins made such different sounds,” said Lozano.
The crowd was filled with supporting family and friends. Proud mother Dale Craig was among that crowd as she embraced her talented daughter, violinist Abigail Craig. “She has only been playing for two years [yet] every time I hear her play she gets better and better,” said Craig.
The song “Ice Sculptures” captured the hauntingly beautiful essence of winter thanks to the cellos and strings as well as a mini solo from eight year cellist, Dana Polley.
Polley, a junior at Cajon High School, has been under the teachings of Brosseau-Tacchai since the fourth grade. Throughout the night the spotlight shined on Polley as she perfected her role as the bass voice in the string quartet.
“I get so happy when I’m playing, I feel free. Its how I express myself, I speak better when I’m playing the cello than when I’m actually speaking,” said Polley.
Polley’s passion of the cello has aspired her to major in music once she gets to college and to perform all over the world.
This outstanding program has inspired Brosseau-Tacchai’s students to take their devotion to music to another level. The talent and brilliance that she helped generate with this group of performers was apparent.
With her expertise in the music scene, the future of young artists today looks bright.