Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 12 October 2006

SUBJECT: Classic Violinist Charms Good Hope Music Students

CONTACT: Susan Kraeger Director of Development The Good Hope School 170 Estate Whim Frederiksted, VI 00840 1-340-772-0022 x108 skraeger@ghsvi.org

This morning Good Hope band students were treated to the amazing talent of Marc Thayer, a renowned violinist, Vice President for Education and Community Partnerships, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Concert Producer for St. Croix Landmark's Society. Thayer visited the school as a part of Music at Whim Candlelight Concert Series' Listen & Learn Workshops. The workshops are provided at no-cost to schools on St. Croix and bring celebrated artists to the classroom. The Landmark's Society often hears from musicians that the Listen & Learn Workshops are the highlight of their experience on St. Croix .

The opportunity for students at Good Hope and other schools on island to experience a personalized performance with musicians of this caliber is rare and uniquely augments their music curriculum. With the artist's tailored performances students become intimate with the instrument as well as gain an understanding for the technical and inspirational components of classical music. Classes often explore a historical perspective as well, and students are surprised to learn that the active mixing of cultures brought classical music to St. Croix as early as the 1700's with the Moravian Brethren.

The Good Hope School strives to model and teach global citizenship and gladly embraced this opportunity to enrich students' and faculties' connection to the world through music. Thayer discussed with students the importance music has in communicating with other cultures. He commented that he has many friends who speak other languages and they are unable to communicate through words, but through the reading of music, the notes become their shared language.