31st
from Ruth Sylvester
I’m an amateur musician and a freelance writer who learned about the Vermont MIDI Project in 2005 while writing a story about a local music teacher. I talked with several students and went to an Opus rehearsal, and was bowled over by the interesting and enjoyable music the children were writing, and the aplomb with which most of them worked with the professional musicians in rehearsal.
Now, in ’08, I wrote for another journal about the Project and am delighted—but not surprised—to see how the quality of music has continued to grow, as has the enthusiasm of the student participants. Long-term effect of the program start to appear as students begin to make careers in composing or other music. And the program is spreading to other states! What could be better?! Don’t I wish I’d had this opportunity!
