Lower School music teacher Lucy Warner could hardly contain her excitement in announcing that The Browning School now boasts an orchestra. She reports the following in her “ode” (as she calls it!) to this groundbreaking group: “The seeds of the Ovation Orchestra were planted and nurtured as a four-piece violin ensemble last year by Lucie Gelinas, Browning’s after-school music instructor of strings. This year, it has doubled in size and is comprised of the standard first violin, second violin, viola and cello sections. The Ovation Orchestra is open to qualifying Browning musicians in grades four through 12. Its members represent all three divisions.

Ms. Warner added, “On December 3, 2011, the orchestra’s presentation of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and the holiday favorite, “The First Noel,” resounded richly throughout the handsome performance area of The Methodist Home for Seniors in Riverdale. The residents there enjoyed the orchestra’s first performance – a ‘musical outreach field trip’ – in partnership with a holiday community service project organized by Christ Church United Methodist. The Ovation Orchestra, under the capable direction of conductor Sarah Kidd, received rapt attention during the performance, followed by energetic, well-deserved applause from audience members ranging in age from four to 94. The Browning boys represented the School not only as capable, talented musicians but also as goodwill ambassadors – true Browning gentlemen – with a new Browning tradition!”

Frank Riti, director of activities at The Methodist Home, sent a note concerning the entire afternoon of activities for the residents provided by Christ Church volunteers and the Ovation Orchestra. In his correspondence he wrote, “The program was excellent. Along with me, the residents, staff and visitors enjoyed the concert…What a difference you have made in the lives of these people. I can only say, keep up the good you do.”

The Browning community looks forward to the orchestra’s next performance at the School’s holiday program on Friday, December 16, 10 a.m., at Temple Emanu-El.