Classical music at school
In March, the Ariana association rolled out the musical component of its Mix'Art programme in several schools on the island. Nearly a thousand pupils from primary school to secondary school are taking part in classroom workshops, and a concert is planned for 10 March at the Théâtre La Chapelle. This marks a new stage for the programme, which for several years has placed encounters between young people and culture at the heart of its work.
Following on from its street art workshops, the Ariana association is now bringing classical music to classrooms in Saint-Martin — and since last week, several groups of pupils have already had the opportunity to experience it. For these young people, it is often a chance to discover sounds and instruments that were previously unknown to them. Three internationally renowned concert performers are visiting the schools: Sandro Compagnon on saxophone, Paul Pavel on violin and Jules Charbonnier on piano. The sessions are designed to be lively and interactive: the pupils are not just there to listen, but above all to experience a real musical encounter. After preparatory work carried out in class by the teachers, the three musicians guide the pupils on a journey of discovery through sounds ranging from the classical repertoire to the resonances of jazz and pop. And judging by the enthusiasm observed from the very first sessions, the challenge has been met.
The art of transmission
After many years of involvement overseas, the Ariana association is organising the fourth edition of its music programme. Sandro, Paul and Jules were selected as much for their desire to pass on their knowledge as for their professional backgrounds. All three are accustomed to large stages, but they bring the same high standards to the classroom. The objective is clear: to introduce young people who have little or no exposure to classical music to this genre, creating an accessible first experience. It is primarily an awareness-raising initiative, where transmission takes precedence over performance.
At the heart of the show
The highlight will take place on 10 March at the Théâtre La Chapelle, with four concerts exclusively reserved for schoolchildren. Around 600 pupils will have benefited from the classroom workshops; the others will discover Sandro, Paul and Jules from the auditorium — for many, their first time in a theatre and their first time seeing an artistic performance. An experience in itself. However, some pupils will not just be spectators: pupils from CHAM classes, which offer optional music courses, will take to the stage to perform alongside the three artists. Just as Mix'Art invited young people to sign their paintings and exhibit them in the corridors of their school, the musical component offers them a place on stage. This approach nurtures curiosity and may open up new horizons.
