Pajama Concert Promotes Music to Elementary Students

and orchestras united Wednesday night to perform a variety of well-known songs. But it was what they were wearing that made the concert unique — pajamas.

The purpose of the pajama-wearing concert at Pine Hollow was to introduce local elementary school students to music programs at the middle and high school's.

Currently, elementary schools are lacking music programs and teachers fear young students might not take up music once they arrive in middle school.

Joffria Whitfield, Pine Hollow's band teacher, proudly announced the “first ever pajama concert.” The orchestra casually sported pajamas with stripes, polka dots, leopard print, and cartoon designs.

Students performed a variety of classics. They started with a medley of songs from the movie “Grease” followed by the “Pink Panther” theme, which gave the string section an opportunity to shine. Other highlights included theme songs from “Stars Wars” as well as “Raiders of the Lost Arc.”

Mundy Viar, Clayton Valley's orchestra and band teacher, was excited to bring high school and middle school students together for a common cause. He shared that he “has been coming to Pine Hollow once a week for the past six weeks” in order to make the concert a reality.

The event ended with the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” which was a chance for the elementary school audience members to get a close look at a number of instruments. Clayton Valley High students set up on stage waiting for the youngsters to come up, ask questions and check out string and brass instruments.

It was obvious that the students enjoyed themselves. Mathew Trujillo, an 11th grader who has played bass for five years found it meaningful to share his passion for music with younger students.

“it reminded me of when he first started," Trujillo said. “Music has proven to be a great outlet."

Pine Hollow principle Shelley Bain praised both orchestra and band teachers for “having worked very hard to keep the music program going” despite the lack of an elementary music program this year. And the students delivered a wonderful performance that without a doubt inspired their young audience.