The following is an update from the previous post, "CHI Leadership Visits Venezuela".

We arrived late Saturday night. Early Sunday morning we went right to working with local management in the planning of school year 2009/2010. Sunday afternoon we interviewed two interesting principal candidates as our current principal, Hilda Lokpez de George, will be retiring at the completion of this year.

Monday included numerous activities and events including classroom observations, financial and business planning as well as a farewell celebration honoring Hilda. This event included a very impressive performance from the CH Symphonic Orchestra.

Joe

Labels: orchestra, update, Venezuela

Academy students from the Cole-Porter Family Orchestra at Christel House Academy enjoyed a visit to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on Friday. Carol Baker, Director of Education for the Symphony gave a tour of the Hilbert Circle Theatre and the children attended a dress rehearsal of Beethoven Fifth and Brahm's First. The students sat in the balcony, closely observing the professionals that played the same instruments as they did. The musicians of the ISO acknowledged the students and gave a warm round of applause for being young musicians.

The day ended with a visit from Mario Venzago, Music Director of the Symphony. Mario shared his background and career story with the children and held a Question and Answer session. Also in attendance were Margaret Cole-Russel, responsible for making the Orchestra a reality, and her husband, Steve Russel.

Thanks to all who made this great experience happen!

The Cole-Porter Family Orchestra has been in existence since fall 2008 and has since performed at the Mayor of Indianapolis' State of the City address, the Charter Schools ROCK the State House event and other local events.

Labels: extra curriculars, music, orchestra

Amidst a crowd of supporters and state officials, the Cole Porter Family Orchestra at the Christel House Academy filled the halls of the Indiana Statehouse with beautiful music. The orchestra was invited to play as part of the "Charter Schools Rock" day organized by the Indiana Public Charter School Association.

The orchestra began in the fall with the help of a gift from Margaret Cole Russell on behalf of the entire Cole Porter Family. For more on our students' activities and how you can help, visit www.christelhouse.org.

Labels: Academy, orchestra