Hundreds of River Valley fifth‑grade students attended the Fort Smith Symphony’s annual EarQuake! concert at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, giving many their first live orchestral experience. The event, described by HyperLocal Loop as a “beloved tradition,” aims to spark a love of music by bringing the full symphony directly to local students.
According to Arkansas Online, busloads of 10‑ and 11‑year‑old children arrived on a recent Monday and were immediately immersed in music as symphony players warmed up on stage. High‑school string players, also on a field trip, greeted the youngsters and demonstrated the instruments. Evelyn Gonzalez, a junior at Northside High School, explained how to hold a cello and use the bow, saying, “We’re here just to get them interested. We walk around, and we introduce the kids to every (stringed) instrument.”
Mike Burkepile, a violinist with the symphony and orchestra director at Southside High School, noted that participating in EarQuake! is a “rite of passage” for high‑school musicians, who help pass the tradition to the next generation. He said, “That’s something that the kids talk about all the time, that they watched EarQuake! when they were in the fifth grade, and now they’re the ones that are there showing the kids the instruments.” About 30 high‑school students interacted with the fifth graders during this year’s concert.
Students also contributed artwork inspired by the pieces to be performed; the pieces were displayed in the lobby on concert day, a detail highlighted by both sources. John Jeter, the symphony’s conductor, emphasized the program’s creative focus, stating, “I think my favorite part is that we get to play them music that they think is really cool.” The concert featured familiar scores from movies such as “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars,” as well as a collaborative “game piece” where fifth graders performed a variation of Elliott Schwartz’s “Music For Audience and Soloist” under the guidance of Jeter, Patrick Conlon, and Christina Giacona.
Conlon, associate director of the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, explained that the pieces are written to keep students engaged, avoiding any “dead moments” that might cause loss of interest. He added that the music is designed to be “virtuosic sounding and they feel really good to play,” hoping the experience will inspire a lasting appreciation for the arts.
Former participants recalled the impact of the program. Emily Roberson, now a viola player with the Northside High School orchestra, remembered creating artwork for the concert and winning a game of rock‑paper‑scissors against a first‑chair violinist. She described the event as “all around a fun experience.”
Overall, EarQuake! continues to be a cornerstone of the Fort Smith Symphony’s community outreach, providing a memorable cultural experience that supports arts education and encourages young residents to explore creative hobbies that can benefit their academic and personal development.
Sources: hyperlocalloop.com, arkansasonline.com
