A Music Filled Week

Lifelong Learning began and ended last week with efforts linked to music. Tuesday evening included the first Faculty Recital. Faculty members participating in the event were: Santiago Diaz, John Dorizzi, Eric French, Chip Halt, Leighanne Jezierski and Kevin Donegan, Luke Krafka, Lori Labedz and Rick Andre, and Rich Labedz. The instrumentation and music performed ranged from Handel's Sonata No. 6 on tuba to En Tierras de Jerez on classical guitar, to a performance of Miami Beach Rumba on flute and steel drums. It was a wonderful evening.

The intent behind the initiation of a faculty recital was twofold. First, Lifelong Learning wanted to showcase the incredible music talents of the Music faculty. Second, this faculty group teaches outside the traditional school day. The recital provided an opportunity for these musicians to be more fully included within the culture of the Franklin Public Schools.

At the other end of the music spectrum Elementary School Band Program, under the direction of Kevin Donegan, began the 2009 - 2020 school year on Thursday. Beginning students and their parents/guardians filled the auditorium at the Horace Mann Middle School. Beginning instruction is offered in Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trombone and Trumpet. The students are instructed in groups of 6 students and will rehearse for the school year. They will have a recital in January and May 2010.

Today, October 5, the String School of Franklin, under the direction of Diane Plouffe and Kathleen Woods, begins another season of beginning string instruction, as well as ensemble-based instruction for advanced string students. In addition to the directors, faculty includes Richard Balest, Luke Krafka and Carla Loukota.

If you want more information on any of these activities, please email us: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.