After a few weeks of trying, they received their chosen instrument for the duration of the cycle: some playing the violin or guitar, while others opting for the flute, piano, trumpet, clarinet, bass, or percussion. The classes are taught by Benjamin Courtoux, a music teacher in both colleges, along with other music teachers, most of whom are provided by the inter-municipal music school of Haut-Béarn (EMIHB) for the instrumental part.
In June, they will return their instruments to the school after a beautiful human, educational, and cultural adventure. Quickly, these young people were put in orchestra situations in front of audiences, participated in a national gathering at Futuroscope in Poitiers, and enthusiastically performed at the end-of-year show at the Jéliote hall. Their surprising progress could be seen and heard over the months.
A new cycle is being prepared for the two small mountain colleges that came together to bring musical practice to the forefront, offering lessons not only in music but also in collective living, teamwork, and citizenship. The hope is that a new promotion will start next year.
For several months now, the coordinator of OAE, Benjamin Courtoux, has been seeking funding, despite decreasing budgets everywhere. “The goal is to start a new three-year cycle next fall. We have applied for sponsorships, but it’s not easy. We remain optimistic about launching the first year,” he said.
Before departing for new horizons, the first OAE promotion has two upcoming events to honor. Students will perform a concert in Bedous on Thursday, April 30th at 2 pm, and another at the Jéliote space in Oloron on Thursday, May 7th, presenting the musical comedy “A Day in Cuba” with the choirs of the Bedous and Arette colleges, along with the actors from the Barétous college.
Reservations are now open for the “A Day in Cuba” concert. It will take place on Thursday, May 7th at 9 pm at the Jéliote space in Oloron-Ste-Marie. Tickets can be purchased on the Helloasso website for 10 euros. “A Day in Cuba” is a true musical comedy featuring the Orchestra at the school and choirs from Bedous and Arette colleges, along with actors from the Barétous college. Two young middle school students arrive in Cuba, welcomed by their pen pals as they explore the city of Havana, filled with lively and warm music from bolero, salsa, guajiro, mambo, and rumba genres. The evening is organized by the Music Hall’Lyceum association, promoting collective music practices both within and outside of schools, aiming to create lively performances.
