Lower School Musicians Serenade Seniors at Luncheon
May 8, 2003

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum in Short Hills was transformed into a mini-symphony hall on May 6, 2003. The fifth- and sixth-grade orchestra spent time with the senior citizens as they enjoyed the annual spring luncheon and then gathered to serenade the guests with their repertoire. The orchestra members played a combination of classical and contemporary music including Spring by Vivaldi, Little Symphony by Nunez, Habanera by Bizet, Emperor Waltz by Strauss, Forest Gump by Silvester, and Locomotion by Goffin and King. Organized by Sharon Austin, music teacher at Short Hills, and Jody Friedman who organized the volunteer drivers, the event was well received by the senior citizens. True to their musical determination, the cellists kept right on playing while the cello pegs slid across the floor. Fortunately, small pieces of carpeting were found and served to anchor the errant instruments. The show went on without further ado. The Lower School orchestra has been attending the Annual Spring Luncheon for several years as the entertainment. This is the first year the students ate and conversed with the guests before performing. According to Ms Austin, the children were polite and engrossed in the conversations and the seniors were clearly delighted to talk with the young people. A special thanks to the volunteer parent drivers: Ms Scharf, Mrs. James, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Lee, and Mrs. Mannan. © 2003 The Pingry School