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Aquinas PTO sponsors Musical programs

The Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra performs Peter and the Wolf in the Aquinas school hall on February 3, 2006.

Aquinas students participate in an opera performance with Tessitura, the Opera Clown on March 7, 2006.

Tessitura, the Opera Clown sings to an Aquinas 2nd grade student who portrays her prince in a mermaid opera concert.

St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School PTO sponsored two special musical programs for Aquinas students, faculty, and staff in the school hall.   The Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra performed Peter and the Wolf on February 3, 2006, for Student Appreciation Day during National Catholic Schools Week 2006.   The two performances were organized by PTO Recording Secretary Mrs. Tracy Stohlman and narrated by PTO Correspondence Secretary Mrs. Peggy Liuzzo.   During the introduction of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, Sister Maria Christi, O.P., Principal, said to the students, “I want to encourage all of you to use your musical talents.”

Conducted by the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Music Director Ms. Patricia Edmiston, the orchestra brought the story of Peter and the Wolf to life with a stunning and entertaining performance of the childhood classic.   The Aquinas audience learned that each character is represented by a different orchestra instrument.    Ms. Edmiston stated, “The music and story of Peter and the Wolf go so well together with kids’ enthusiasm for music, drama, and creativity.”  

From classical orchestra music to magic through opera … the Aquinas PTO, in conjunction with the Woodbridge Music Club, sponsored Tessitura, the Opera Clown for two entertaining performances in the school hall on March 7, 2006.   Aquinas Music teacher Mrs. June Shuffett organized the guest performances of Tessitura, the Opera Clown, a.k.a Toni Crowder of Young Audiences of Virginia.  

Soprano vocalist Tessitura, the Opera Clown introduced the Aquinas audience to the world of classical opera through her beautiful music, stories, and magic in Italian, German, and Czech while also teaching opera concepts to explain the art form.    She invited students to participate on stage in a music education adventure with costume accessories and props.   Tessitura, the Opera Clown told the students she was born in the Metropolitan Opera House.   She said, “I heard so much singing that I decided I would learn to speak in song!”

The special events were sponsored by the Aquinas PTO in an effort to provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the students.   Sister Maria Christi, O.P., Principal, said, “It was great fun!   I am grateful to the PTO for researching these enrichment opportunities and making them available to our students.”

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