Friday morning, Babler Elementary School students took a break from classroom studies to enjoy a music concert performed by the talented students of the Rockwood Valley Middle School orchestra, eighth grade girl's chorus, and band.

The orchestra, directed by Judy Moss, began the concert with a holiday favorite, "Frosty the Snowman".  This year marks Moss' 15^th year of teaching within the Rockwood district.  She works with all three grades at the middle school level, and also assists the Lafayette High School Symphonic Orchestra. 

"Of all the activities that a child does, playing a stringed instrument is the only activity that involves the whole brain," said Moss.  "Playing an instrument can help children develop social skills, and give them a personal satisfaction for doing something well."

One reason for bringing music to Babler was to "show the students at the fifth grade level the kind of progress they can achieve if they continue to play," said Moss.  A doctoral student at Capella University, Moss said she notices that playing an instrument tends to build self esteem in children.

Moss said she was glad to be a part of the event because it is an opportunity to share music. 

"I can't imagine life without music."

Following the orchestra pieces, the eighth grade girls' chorus, under the direction of Christy Shaffer, performed for the elementary students.  Also in her 15^th year of teaching in the Rockwood district, she said it was great for elementary students to see all three musical groups working together.

Shaffer said she hopes the students will continue to keep music a part of their lives.

John Menner, director of the Rockwood Valley Middle School band, said music is an important part of life. "It should be passed on to others," he said.

Menner said he enjoys getting out to the elementary schools and demonstrating the opportunities available within band in the middle schools.

Currently, there are no band programs available from the Rockwood School District for elementary students.  They do have opportunities to be a part of the orchestra and vocal groups at the elementary level.  

Moss said there are at least 80 students already working in the fifth grade strings program at Babler Elementary.  This year was the first year the strings program was be made available to the third grade students.