This quarter, we’ve transformed our traditional outcomes into film projects. Our annual recital became an opportunity for students to learn how to capture music performance and their perspectives as artists. Similarly, our March concert became recording sessions requiring collaboration to present with others.

The work was extensive, as any orchestra student would admit. Everyone learned something new, and I was no exception! Selecting repertoire, refining and developing music, gathering and applying feedback, and performing music is already plenty for musicians to do. What this project has done is elevate that conversation to how music is shared in a digital world, how music can be used for different purposes, and how the context and manner in which music is presented changes its reception among listeners.

To make this work possible, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation generously funded the purchase of high-quality audio recording equipment, and with our newfound filmmaking skills we’ll be able to create a well-produced and recorded presentation of our music. Not only was it great to have this equipment for this project, but we'll be able to use it as we live stream concerts, produce high quality virtual contest recordings, create audition recordings for seniors as they prepare for college, and much more in the future. The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is fantastic - thank you!

I'm VERY proud of the students and their hard work this quarter! Dealing with learning during the global pandemic is one thing - putting up with Mr. Black's craziness takes things to a new level ;) All in all, we had fun, we made great music, and we're carrying these lessons forward in our class while looking forward to more in-person performances in the future. Thanks for watching!