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World famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma inspires young musicians at Forest Lawn elementary school

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Only hours before his sold-out performance in Calgary Thursday, world famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma made time to meet with dozens of students at Keeler Elementary School in the heart of Forest Lawn.

As part of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s PhilKids program, designed to promote music education in under-served communities, students in grades 1 to 5 treated Ma to an inspiring rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb at the private event in the school’s music room.

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“It’s always wonderful to walk into a room where you see children are engaged and curious,” said Ma, a child prodigy who began performing at the age of 4½.

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“I can see the long-term effects of what the teachers, staff, and musicians have created. They have created a space for these students where their imagination and curiosity for the world is supported and encouraged.”

As many as 55 students played flute, trumpet, drums, violin and cello for Ma, who was performing Thursday at Jack Singer Concert Hall and Friday at Mount Royal University’s Bella Concert Hall.

Ma then played several pieces for the students, from their own Mary Had a Little Lamb, to other classical pieces. The group also engaged in a number of rhythm exercises, snapping fingers and clapping hands. 

Ma then answered student questions, including “how old is your cello?” to which Ma, 62, replied, “Much older than me.”

Yo Yo Ma visits Calgaryís Keeler Elementary School for a rare visit with students in Calgary on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Supplied/becq photography international
Yo Yo Ma visits Calgaryís Keeler Elementary School for a rare visit with students in Calgary on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Supplied/becq photography international

CPO president Paul Dornian said the event was moving.

“If you want to change the world, invest in the children,” he said. “I can’t think of many better ways to make a difference than the amazing PhilKids program.

“Seeing Yo-Yo Ma interacting and making music with these elementary school children put a lump in my throat. Mr. Ma is a master communicator whether he is playing his cello, talking to the children, or listening to their wisdom.”

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Judy Kilbourne, longtime CPO volunteer and board member,  said Ma simply “bounced” into the room, full of energy.

“This was the most wonderful afternoon of my life, it was that special,” said Kilbourne, who is active with the PhilKids program.

“His interplay with the kids was just beautiful, it was magical.”

Yo-Yo Ma visits Calgaryís Keeler Elementary School for a rare visit with students in Calgary on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Supplied/becq photography international
Yo-Yo Ma visits Calgaryís Keeler Elementary School for a rare visit with students in Calgary on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Supplied/becq photography international

Through the weekly PhilKids program at Keeler, students in grades 1 to 5 work closely with CPO musicians through a multi-faceted approach introducing musicality to young children, developing rhythm, creativity, self-expression and goal achievement. 

Musicians develop a rapport of trust and respect, participating in band ensembles and receiving group lessons on violin and trumpet.

“The opportunity for us to host Yo-Yo Ma at Keeler Elementary School has been so phenomenal for our students,” said principal Denise Nimmo.

“They have been so excited for his visit to hear a world famous musician play for them and then to also have the experience of actually playing the cello for him to hear.

“To have this opportunity today is just out of this world and something that our students will carry in their hearts forever, I am certain.”

eferguson@postmedia.com

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