On April 17, 2005, twenty students from our school dazzled an audience of 400, and the featured performers, at a concert of Les Yeux Noirs, the world's premier gypsy group. "I had tears in my eyes when I heard these children performing my piece 'Balamouk'", said Eric Slabiak, the charismatic lead violinist of the group. "Nobody else has ever played the piece except us" (how did these children do that? - the music is not even in print).    Les Yeux Noirs members quickly left their back stage seats to come listen to our children and photograph them playing three pieces on stage to open the concert.

Steve, our music reading teacher, who is also Amelia's dad, is manager of CityMusic and the World Music concert series. We appeared at his invitation. Featured soloists and leaders were Hee-Yeon introducing Balamouk, Laura with a tag she'd composed. Elissa led the ending of Havah Nagilah, and Sean played a tag for Old Joe Clark. We wore bright, gypsy-inspired clothes and colored hair spray, and danced together at the end of the concert.

The gypsy group then provided us with a rare display of spirited music, awesome violin playing, and engaging showmanship, that we are imitating in some of our classes. Delaney played "Balamouk" in church on Sunday to great applause. Teachers for the concert were Kari, Laurie, Steve, and Susan.

(Click on thumbnails to see enlarged photos)