UIndy hosts the Young Musicians and Dancers
By Sami Shelton
Students of all ages showcased their musicianship and grace in the Young Musicians and Dancers program on Oct. 28 at Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. Musicians from the UIndy Community Music Center and dancers from the Butler University Jordan College Academy of Dance pre-college division, joined UIndy music students to present the annual program.
The dancers had the opportunity to perform with the accompaniment of live musicians who played various styles of music.
The dancers displayed unique costumes in accordance with the music being played. Community Music Center Associate Director Jacklyn Chan directed the music portion of the event, while Jordan College Academy Artistic Director Larry Attaway directed the dance portion.
Students performed pieces they had been preparing since the beginning of the semester. The musicians and dancers combined for the first time only two days before the performance.
“It went together well considering it was only the second time the musicians and dancers performed together,” Chan said.
This is the fourth year the Community Music Center has collaborated with the Jordan College Academy of Dance. According to Chan, the programs work well together because of the artistic similarities between them.
“They [Butler] are very artistically advanced,” Chan said. “Our students love performing for live dancers. It takes a lot of talent.”
The Community Music Center is an enrichment program that offers private, ensemble and theory lessons on a variety of instruments.
According to the Community Music Center Web site, the program has been accepting students for over 20 years. The instructors are professionals who are recognized as the best in central Indiana.
According to Chan, there are about 300 students who participate in the program. Students’ ages range from six months old through adulthood.
Small children typically attend music and movement classes, and children age four and above begin to learn to play an instrument.
“The whole program is a good experience for students,” Chan said. “It teaches them to be well prepared and to survive in the world of live music.”
The Community Music Center’s next performance is the CMC Recital on 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Ruth Lilly Performance Hall.
