ROCKPORT — Rockport Public Schools’ yearly Orchestra Summit runs this week, Nov. 17-20. Several concerts, most free to public, will be offered as part of the summit and next month.
The acclaimed Videri String Quartet, which specializes in video game music, will be working with all Rockport string students this week, culminating in a side-by-side performance with fourth- through 12th-graders.
The mission of the summits, which have become a yearly tradition, is to build mentorship between grade levels in the music ensembles, to give younger students a sense of where they are headed, and to give the older students a sense of how far they have come, said Nathan Cohen, the orchestra director and curriculum coordinator for the performing and visual arts departments for Rockport Public Schools.
“The summits are a great opportunity for students of all ages to make connections and enjoy their shared love of music,” Rockport Middle High School Band Director Logan LaRue said.
This year’s summit offers two days of after-school events for students and two evening concerts open to the public, one featuring student performers and another featuring visiting musicians. There are also special activities throughout the week in orchestra classes.
The goal is to build relationships between students during the daytime sessions and then cap it off with a collaborative concert demonstrating the learning that has already taken place this year.
“The summit is a really good experience,” Rockport High School junior Savannah Hopkins said. “It all feels like I’m just learning, even from the younger kids, honestly.”
The performances are open to the public. The week’s concerts are
Wednesday, Nov. 19: The Videri String Quartet performs at 7 p.m. at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main St. in Rockport. Tickets are $10 (free to students and their families) at rockportmusic.org.
Thursday, Nov. 20: Orchestra Summit Finale Concert, 6:30 p.m., John Lane Auditorium, Rockport Middle High School, 24 Jerden’s Lane. The show will feature fourth- through 12th-grade orchestra students playing side-by-side with the Videri String Quartet and other visiting musicians. Free admission.
“The role that Rockport Music plays in the development of our students is profound,” Cohen said. “Our students have the opportunity to learn from some of the best musicians on the planet and then perform alongside them. The summit is both a celebration and a window into our learning process.”
In addition to the Orchestra Summit Finale, there are several more student performances, all free to the public. They are:
Dec. 9: Grade 6-8 Jazz and Small Ensemble Concert, 6:30 p.m., Shalin Liu Performance Center.
Dec. 10: Grades 9-12 Jazz and Small Ensemble Concert, 6:30 p.m. Shalin Liu Performance Center.
Dec. 15: Elementary School Winter Concert, 6:30 p.m., John Lane Auditorium.
Dec 16: Grades 6-8 Winter Concert, 6:30 p.m., John Lane Auditorium.
Dec. 18: RMHS Grades 9-12 Winter Concert, 6:30 p.m., John Lane Auditorium.
The Rockport Middle High School music students are fundraising for a performance tour to Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia in April 2027. At all the upcoming performances, they will be selling raffle tickets to win a trip to London or Paris.
Anyone unable to attend a school concert, but wishing to buy raffle tickets or to make a donation to support the students’ efforts is welcome to contact Cohen at ncohen@rpk12.org.