Hoopes and Staruch in Willmar

Chad Hoopes and Steve Staruch started this week's residency in Willmar. Here's more from Steve:

The second week of the artist-in residence tour got off to a fine start in Willmar yesterday. Chad performed for two classes of young orchestral musicians (3-5th grades) who were not only wowed by Chad's virtuosity but also volunteered to tell him what their own passions were: one girl likes to dance, another loves riding horses, one boy loves playing football. I think they appreciated the message that each has a talent to developed and share. The middle school students who came to listen in the afternoon were in a completely different place in their lives. A lot more shy about asking questions, this group was also won over by Chad's warmth and commitment to his art. As always, I expect that Chad's short residency in these schools will have a ripple affect, creating a heightened sense of pride in and helping to develope the skills of these young orchestral musicians. If nothing else I think all learned that classical music can be...."cool" !