During the 2009-10 season, the ESO presented Sean Lomax, whistler extraordinaire, in two schools in the Woodland Hills District: Ben Fairless Middle School in Braddock, and Rankin Elementary.  As an African-American who grew up in Braddock, Mr. Lomax provides an inspirational role model.  This program was well received by students and teachers, to whom we gave free tickets.

PNC GROW UP GREAT

The ESO has collaborated with PNC's "Grow Up Great" program, which recognizes the critical importance of early childhood education and exposing children to a variety of opportunities. 

·  During the 2009-2010 season, the ESO presented two sessions at the Hill House Community Center for a combined audience of 70 preschool students -- using an ensemble of two violins, viola, cello, and double bass. After having their attention grabbed via a series of Russian and Scottish folk dances, the children were invited to file past the musicians, handling the instruments so as to be part of the music-making experience.  Sessions ended with a final festive piece, followed by expressions of gratitude by children and teachers with the desire for a return visit.

·  Another event at a preschool in Lawrenceville used a similar format.  One musician brought along their grandsons aged 7 and 10, who played a short violin-cello duet, providing additional inspiration to the preschoolers that music was something to which they too could aspire.

During the 2009-2010 season, members of the ESO treated the students of The Academy to a musical experience.  The Academy is a new school and part of the Woodland Hills School District.  ESO member Lana Kay Buehner worked with Lisa Endler, a music teacher at The Academy.  Lisa requested the ESO members perform music from Benjamin Britten’s Guide to the Orchestra which her 2nd graders were currently studying.  An ESO String Quartet and clarinet player comprised of ESO members Lana Kay Buehner, Dennis Boyce, Carolyn Hills, Susan Wagner and Ken Lutz performed for approximately 100 students.  Each ESO member explained and demonstrated their instruments.  When playing the quartet music, Lana chose a variety of styles. For example, they played a tango and had all the students clapping along with the rhythm. Ken Luz, clarinet, played the theme and variations from the Britten as well as the theme from Peter and the Wolf.  The children recognized the music and were very delighted with his performance.  At the close of the performance and class, the children had many questions for the performers.  It was an excellent opportunity for ESO musicians to go into the community and encourage children with musical education. ESO cellist, Sara Werner was able to secure the music for The Academy Outreach program from her work place, Carnegie Library.

COLLABORATIONS

The ESO believes that opportunities to collaborate with other local performance organizations are essential for the artistic growth of the ensemble. During the 2009-2010 concert season, the ESO was privileged to host significant collaborations across two of our four performances.  During our annual holiday concert, the orchestra welcomed the CAPA Concert Choir and the Renaissance City Choirs in a robust performance of festive repertoire that joyfully engaged the audience while also artistically stretching the performers.  The ESO then provided a chamber orchestra for the RCC’s own holiday concert.  In the spring, we were elated to tackle The Music of Carmen, which allowed us to welcome six professional opera singers, the CAPA High School Opera Chorus and opening remarks from Pittsburgh Opera’s General Director, Christopher Hahn! – an unquestionable success and a stellar feat for any all-volunteer ensemble.