News Details (Posted: May 16, 2003):

MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS H.S. KEEPS STRINGS ALIVE

Contact Information:

louise ditto

Full Description:

Michael Halpert, Brendan Byrne, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Orchestra Students, under the direction of Mr. Dean Calmer and Mrs. Jeannie Halberg, have recently assembled a program called the "MSD YOUTH ORCHESTRA". This program offers FREE lessons to all 4th and 5th grade students who are interested in learning how to play the Violin, Viola, or Cello. The program began 2 months ago and already consists of 40 young and talented musicians. They meet every Thursday from 6:30 - 7:30 in Room 834. Every student must supply his or her own instrument. THIS IS A UNIQUE PROGRAM AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFFERED IN BROWARD COUNTY. The orchestra students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are extremely dedicated to this program, as are the directors. They give their time effortlessly to make this program the success it already is. Mr. Traeger, the principal of MSD, backs this program 100%. A tremendous thanks goes out to him. Besides mentoring the elementary students, the orchestra has students who perform at grand openings, play at weddings, perform for our elderly, mentor orchestra students as Sawgrass Springs Middle and soon at Westglades Middle, perform at charity events, and practice with their chamber groups and full orchestra. All this plus keeping up with their academics and other extracurricular activities. These students are to be commended for selflessly giving their time not only to the community but also to the future young string players of tomorrow. They are the true leaders of today. The Youth Orchestra will perform their first concert at Stoneman Douglas on May 8th beginning at 6:30 P.M. in the auditorium. Please come by and enjoy the wonderful music these children will be presenting. We are looking forward to the programs continuous success. Let's keep the music alive in our schools and our children's hearts. If you would like to make a donation to this wonderful program, interested in taking lessons, or would like more information, please contact Mr. Dean Calmer at 954-345-4900 ext.356. Marjory Stoneman Douglas is located at 5901 Pine Island Road in Parkland.