Charles County Public Schools recently brought together young musicians and high school mentors for the annual Instant Concert events, an initiative that gives elementary students the opportunity to learn from older students who once stood in their shoes. The program, now in its eighth year, provides an immersive, one-day experience where students build their confidence, develop musical skills, and form lasting connections with peers who share their passion for music.
The first event, held on January 18, focused on choir students, while the second, on February 1, featured band and orchestra students. Throughout the day, high school students, with the guidance of CCPS music teachers, worked alongside elementary musicians to prepare musical selections. The culmination of the day’s efforts was a concert performance for families and friends, showcasing the progress made in just a few hours.
Credit: Charles County Public Schools
Andrew Blumhardt, CCPS fine arts specialist, emphasized the impact of the program, noting that the event allows students to grow musically while also developing leadership and mentorship skills. Many of the high school mentors selected for the program previously participated in the Instant Concert themselves as elementary school students. Some are now considering careers in music or music education, making this experience an opportunity to gain hands-on teaching experience.
For the younger participants, the event serves as an introduction to the collaborative and rewarding aspects of performing in an ensemble. A total of 95 elementary students took part in the choir event, while 130 participated in the orchestra and band concert. Supporting them were 33 high school mentors and 27 CCPS staff members, including 17 dedicated to band and orchestra and 10 working with the choir students.
The commitment to the program was evident among students, with some even choosing the Instant Concert over other school activities. Fifth-grade viola player Evan Story, a student at Gale-Bailey Elementary School, had to decide between attending the event or competing in a chess tournament on the same day. For him, the choice was clear. He described the experience as something that felt like “once in a lifetime.”
Blumhardt noted that the event has a lasting impact beyond a single day of music-making. For elementary students, it instills an early love of performance. For high school mentors, it provides the fulfillment of giving back to an event that once helped shape their own musical journeys. And for CCPS music teachers, it offers a rewarding opportunity to see their students continue to grow and inspire the next generation of musicians.
The choir concert was held at Westlake High School, while the band and orchestra concert took place at St. Charles High School. Both events demonstrated the dedication of CCPS students and staff to fostering a vibrant music education program and ensuring that young musicians have the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive.
