The magic of St. Margaret’s early childhood-grade 12 campus came into focus this week in the Darcy Rice Center for the Arts, as orchestra students in the Upper School and Middle School had a special morning in store for Early Childhood School students. 

The older students oversaw an “instrument petting zoo” where young students could hear, see and even try a variety of musical instruments up close. The Early School students were drawn to the older students and their demonstrations of the harp, cello, double bass, flute and violin. They were also able to try out a variety of percussion instruments set out on a table, including tambourines, gourd shakers, maracas, bells, guiros and finger cymbals. 

In addition, the Early School students listened as the orchestra demonstrated their instruments, followed by the playing of a short excerpt of “Spring” from The Four Seasons. 

The “instrument petting zoo” has many benefits. It provides an opportunity for older students to share their love of music and demonstrate leadership and mentorship skills as they work with the younger students. It’s an opportunity for Early School students to learn about music instruments in an experiential (and inspirational) way. And it is a cross-divisional connection unique to St. Margaret’s PreK-12 campus, which offers students of different ages the opportunity to come together for joyful learning, connection and fun. 

“It was truly heart-warming to see all their faces light up when they heard the sound of music,” St. Margaret’s orchestra director Linling Hsu said. “It was also amazing to see our Upper School students realize what an impact they could have on our youngest Tartans.”