Cellist Amit Peled Visits Placer High School Music Classes

Cellist Amit Peled visits Placer High School music classes In the last several years, the Auburn Symphony has brought about a dozen renowned guest artists to teacher Dave Lawrenson's Placer High School music classes. The artists visit the school on Fridays before symphony "Masterworks" concerts Saturday and Sunday. "It's been a blessing," Lawrenson said. "Symphony conductor Peter Jaffe has been extremely gracious, a breath of fresh air, and the students love it." Most recently, cellist Amit Peled, along with Jaffe, visited two of Lawrenson's classes. Peled played selections by Bach, Saint-Saens, and Dvorak. He told the students about growing up in an Israeli kibbutz, why he started playing the cello, how his career progressed, how he tries to convey the compositions' emotions, and how he balances performing in concerts internationally, teaches at Johns Hopkins and has a home life with his wife and children. "The students were highly impressed with Peled's musicianship, his passion, what he was doing in his music, in awe," Lawrenson said."Afterward, we were able to put something together to use as a learning experience for what we're working on." It's important for students to see professional artists, according to Lawrenson. "It's absolutely the fact that all our students don't get to see artists live, so these visits by musicians help make up for that," Lawrenson said. At the end of the session, at Lawrenson's request, Peled joined the wind ensemble class in playing "Happy Birthday" for Jenenne Shipman, a senior turning 18. "He is so amazing. I was awe-struck at his skill," Shipman said. "We really enjoyed his playing. We see what we could be, no matter what instrument we play. It was really cool, motivating! Educational outreach is a cornerstone of what the Auburn Symphony offers the community, according to Auburn Symphony executive director Anne Brown. "Our programs are vital to our mission and provide us with the opportunity of directly interacting with youth and students," Brown said. It is an Auburn Symphony goal to keep the arts alive for all ages and to stimulate a lifelong love of orchestral music, according to Brown. "Connecting with local music students is such a joy. We are so thankful to have a close working relationship with Placer High School and music director Dave Lawrenson," Brown said. "We are excited to announce that the PHS Chamber Choir students will be joining us for Gabriel Faure's overture at our season finale concert at the Mondavi Center on Mother's Day, May 10." For more information, see auburnsymphony.com.