Kontras Quartet Performs for Kindergarten

Parker’s youngest students got familiar with the sights and sounds of the Kontras Quartet when they came to the school for a special concert.

Music Department Chair and teacher Kingsley Tang introduced the quartet to the student audience as this year’s Joan W. Harris Visiting Music Scholars in Residence before yielding the floor to the group’s melodic sounds and energy, as they performed works that showcased the range of styles and moods a string quartet can create.

Between songs, each member of the quartet spoke with the students about their instrument, the sounds it makes, its role in the quartet and more. Violist Ben Weber shared that his formal education included studying for more than 14 years with Parker’s current Upper School Orchestra teacher Michael Hining—which made him all the more excited about performing at the school.

The students left the experience with a better understanding of and appreciation for string quartets, and the visiting musicians have made new connections with students from the classes of 2036 and 2037.

Click here for photos of this visit.

Parker looks forward to the Kontras Quartet’s return to campus on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. for a public performance. More here.

More information on Kontras Quartet is available here.