Cultivating the next generation of musicians at Irving

Irving Middle School 7th and 8th grade orchestra performs "Dance of The Tumblers" with the Southeast High School's Chamber Orchestra.

Irving Middle School’s orchestra teamed up with Southeast High School for a joint concert early this February. 


Students in seventh and eighth grade joined Southeast’s Chamber Orchestra for a finale song, “Dance of the Tumblers,” from the Russian Opera “Snow Maiden.” 


“I think it’s pretty cool to be able to play with them and see what it’ll be like in high school,” Irving eighth-grade violinist Marco said. 


“We played the piece at a ‘high school’ speed, and the Irving students met the challenge with excitement and positivity. I was incredibly proud of their sound,” Irving orchestra director Austin Hegert said. 


The concert also allows past aardvarks to return to their old stomping grounds. Irving has collaborated with Southeast for this event for the past eight years.  Eleven former Irving students play in Southeast’s Chamber Orchestra – including junior violinist Elizeh. She remembers playing with the high school when she attended Irving. Elizeh said this concert was a full-circle moment. 


“It’s kind of cool because you feel you’re part of a bigger picture and bigger community than just your small orchestra,” she added. 


The Knights partner with several other surrounding middle schools for musical performances. The school hopes these collaborations will encourage young musicians to continue their craft in high school and beyond.


“Partnerships are important to help encourage kids to bridge the gap between musical involvement in middle school and high school,” Southeast orchestra director Maggie Delaney said. “Younger students meeting and seeing the older students gives them a snapshot of what music may involve at the high school level and what opportunities may be available to them.” 


Visit our arts calendar at https://home.lps.org/communitycalendar/ to keep up with the latest performances and showcases within LPS. 


Watch a snippet of Irving and Southeast joint concert below and photos. 


 


Published: February 22, 2023, Updated: February 23, 2023