The concert hall is charged with anticipation as students’ eyes search for “their” musician on stage. Banners wave and cheers are heard as the orchestra stands and the conductor walks on stage with Monique. Students listen attentively as they hear music they recognize as suspiciously similar to their own “musical inventions.”

Acting as presenter and soloist, Monique Mead leads through the program which links music to an already familiar topic, such as cell phones, cars, or soccer. This enables her to probe more deeply into musical content while maintaining the interest of the audience. Participation is key to the concert experience, and interactive moments are offered throughout the program - with one great highlight: playing and singing with the orchestra. At the designated moment, students blend their instruments and voices with the grand orchestral sound, making this a concert they will not soon forget.