Settlement Holds Preview for ‘Cello-bration’ Open House

On June 4, held an “Ensemble Day” recital at its Willow Grove Branch, highlighting the varied student ensembles of the school.

The Ensemble Day event is a culmination of ensemble music studies at Settlement’s Willow Grove branch from its school year. Listed in the program were 12 such ensembles made up of over 45 Settlement students.

Leading off the 6:30 p.m. Ensemble Day recitals was an all-cello ensemble, which performed “Cantique de Jean Racine” by Gabriel Fauré.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase cellos, which are the basis of an orchestra,” Patricia Manely, Settlement Willow Grove branch director, said. “They’re not often highlighted.”

According to Manely, she wanted the cello ensemble to be a taste of what’s in store for visitors to the .

While all six branches of Settlement Music School will also participate in an open house, Saturday, the Willow Grove branch will feature a “Cello-bration.”

According to Manley, this is the first year that the Willow Grove Settlement branch will hold a musical recital dedicated to the cello.

Manely said that Settlement cello teacher, Christine Danoff, will showcase the Willow Grove branch’s best cello students at the recital.

The free-to-the-public open house will also feature opportunities for the public to interact with the school’s musical instructors. According to Manely, the interaction will provide both parents and adult students with the opportunity to ask advice from professional musicians.

“We get hundreds of calls from parents, asking questions like, “What kind of instrument should I get my child?’” Manely said. “At the open house, you can ask questions to professional musicians, right on the spot.”

Manely also said that visitors to the open house will be able to play or try out instruments, as they tour the newest branch of the largest community-based school of arts in the country.

Among the instruments available will be a Theremin, whose electronic sounds helped make Star Trek’s theme song iconic.

“Where else can you try out and play these instruments?” Manely asked. “It’s sort of like a musical fair.”

---

Plan on attending Settlement Music School Willow Grove Branch’s ‘Cello-bration?’

• Where: 318 Davisville Road, Willow Grove, PA 215-320-2630

• When: Saturday, June 9, 2012, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The open house is free and open to public. Visit www.smsmusic.org or call 215-320-2600 for details.