More than 900 students from public and private schools in Henry County recently got a chance to broaden their musical interests in classical fashion.

Henry for Music, Inc. recently hosted clarinetist Igor Begelman and pianist George Lopez – both from The Piatigorsky Foundation – and Youth Orchestra United cellist, mentor/teacher, Brittni Leigh. The Henry County Schools Fine Arts Department coordinated the productions, held at Performing Arts Centers in McDonough and Stockbridge.

Jerry Hesselink, founder and president of Henry for Music, said his group is working to expose more young people to classical music in the coming years.

“Our thrust is to present classical music to children in schools, because Henry County Public Schools is going to put orchestras in seven more middle schools the year after next,” he said. “The year after that, they will put six orchestras in local high schools. The schools will have to recruit these students from the rolls they have at that time.”

Henry for Music began presenting the annual concerts in 2016. Following the presentations on April 19-20, students participated in a Q&A session with the artists. A majority of students indicated they were either interested in playing an instrument, play one currently, or want to participate in an after-school music program.

Hesselink said Henry for Music is actively seeking local students interested in playing classical instruments, including the violin. He is hopeful that his organization can identify instructors who can teach those to play as well.

“We have 70 violins that are not being played currently, so we are looking for students who want to learn to play violin in the after-school program,” he said. “We provide the teacher and the elements to learn to play.”

The Piatigorsky Foundation is dedicated to making live classical music available for communities nationwide. Since 1990, the foundation has presented more than 3,775 live classical-music performances, in communities throughout the country. Performances are typically held in non-traditional venues, presenting music in a communicative format that is unique to each audience.

Foundation musicians are chosen for their artistry and their ability to engage audiences. Artists share anecdotes and insights into the works they will perform. Venues for the hour-long concerts include retirement communities, schools, churches, synagogues, hospitals, workplaces, libraries and community centers.

The foundation strives to make classical music accessible to a diverse population by bringing musicians into familiar, intimate surroundings and creating a lively concert format, Henry for Music, Inc. is working on the next Georgia tour with artists from the foundation, with plans to add an evening venue for the public.

To receive an announcement to attend the event or for more information, visit www.HenryforMusic.org.
Hesselink said the organization’s website also contains information on how to acquire or donate an instrument.