When an annual event presented by the North Carolina Symphony couldn't take place due to lack of funding, the Gardner-Webb University’s Department of Fine Arts stepped up to save the day. A group of musicians from Gardner-Webb's Department of Fine Arts performed a children's concert for all Lincoln County fifth graders (over 1,100 in all) between the ages of 10 and 12 (this includes charter schools, Christian schools, and home school groups). The program was held at the James Warren Civic Center in Lincolnton on Monday, February 22.
Gardner-Webb graduate (2008) Leanna Jones Stroup, now serving as an elementary school music teacher in Lincoln County, mentioned the dilemma concerning the symphony concert to Dr. Patricia Sparti, Chair of the GWU Department of Fine Arts. Sparti decided the children shouldn't miss this experience and was happy to get GWU musicians involved to fulfill the program. "We (GWU Fine Arts) believe we have a responsibility to bring great music and art to others so that every generation can have their lives changed for the better," said Sparti.
The program consisted of The Carnival of the Animals composed by the famous French Composer, Camille Saint-Saens. Saint-Saens, who passed in 1921, loved animals and composed The Carnival of the Animals as a joke to entertain his pupils and to mock the styles of popular composers of his day. "When one listens to The Carnival of the Animals, one of our goals is that the listener recognizes that music can be used to represent different effects. The children are ask to listen carefully and identify sounds that represents animal characteristics as they are played," said Sparti.
Sparti directed and narrated the program that consisted of a small instrumental ensemble made up of GWU professors and musicians, including some students. As an added bonus, artwork was displayed to go along with the music that was created by GWU art students. The art was projected with special effects by Doug Knotts, Professor of Art - Visual Arts Division. Sparti went on to say, "The whole thing is a zoological romp of wonderful fun with absolutely great music and art, which we hope will inspire the kids and their teachers."
Gardner-Webb University Press Release
