It is not easy to hold an instrument in your hands for the first time, whether it is a violin, a saxophone, a double bass or an oboe.
While within the framework of the “themed classes” initiated by the town hall at the start of the new school year, a CE1 class from the eight schools of Montereau launches two hours a week in Russian, musical comedy, cinema, boxing or fencing. , that of Claude Sigonneau will form an orchestra for the next three years.
The awkward gestures of the first meeting will give way to the assurance of a relationship that can sometimes be tumultuous but supposed to be lasting.
In Surville, the purchase of an instrument is very often unthinkable
“The parents understood that it is for three years.
They are thrilled and can't wait to see them on stage.
For them, music is often financially inaccessible, they are happy for their children, ”explains Samira Léger, their dynamic teacher, who will discover the violin to accompany her students.
In this school in the district of Surville, one of the poorest in Île-de-France, buying an instrument is very often unthinkable.
So last Thursday, in a joyful cacophony punctuated by giggles, Mélina, Marila, Abdoullah and their comrades blew on the trombone and the cornet, hit the xylophones and made the strings of the violins squeal.
Supervised by five professors from the city's conservatory, they tested all the instruments of their future orchestra that day in order to be able to choose the one that will have their preference.
“I wanted to play music.
I like it a lot, the music is beautiful, ”whispers Mélina.
Read alsoThemed classes to reveal talents
The violin holds the string and there will inevitably be some disappointed who will have to accept their second choice. "The violin is more our size," says Mélina. More than saxophones, "which make the neck work out," according to Elisa, amused by her discovery. As for the brass and oboes, blowing in "it makes guilis on the lips" laugh her girlfriends. But no matter what, only the joy of "making noise" with these instruments remains, funded to the tune of 40,000 euros by the association Orchestra at school and the State, which they will take home to practice with. as much attendance as possible. "It's going to be a bit like a friend," Elisa projects herself. Above all, I will hide it well so that my little brothers do not damage it ”.
To distribute the instruments, the skills of each are examined.
“We see that some have a musical ear.
They are already trying to reproduce what the teachers are doing, rejoices Samira Léger.
Many want to play the violin because it is an instrument that can be found in all cultures and that therefore they know.
That changes by discovering the other instruments ”.
Indeed, Marila finally hesitates between oboe and saxophone.
"Students exist other than through their academic results and look at themselves differently"
All have in mind, without too much apprehension yet, the moment when they will share the stage. Already for a first experience, on October 21 at the conservatory where they will perform an adaptation of Handel's Sarabande. And maybe during the Django Reinhard festival in Fontainebleau. “I can't wait for us all to be together,” says Defne, seduced by the sound of the double bass. And then we want to show that to our parents ”.
The town hall, through Stéphane Dervillez, the assistant in charge of school life at the initiative of this project, is counting on them to motivate and prevent their children from dropping out. “There is an expectation of parents in the school, and we want to involve them, insists Yves Poey, the director of this school classified Rep +, who joined the orchestra as a double bass player. Sometimes they just don't have the same logic as us. It is up to us to succeed in harmonizing them ”.
In the months to come, the children will gradually evolve in the company of their instruments. "They will be more focused, and more away from the TV and tablets," applauds Samira Léger. “They will work as a team, become more responsible. If one plays the double bass well and the other does not know his part on the violin, it will show, says Jacinto, the oboe teacher. The timid will reveal themselves. Those who are a little dunce will end up helping the teacher ”. Playing an instrument also allows you to have another look at yourself. “Students exist other than through their academic results and look at themselves differently. And often, the notes go up, ”promises Jacinto.
At the start of the next school year, the new CE1s will also embark on the adventure.
So that in three years the school will have three orchestral classes.
History to show that if talent does not wait for the number of years, it can also blossom in all circles.
"In this project, we are in equity, appreciates William, who teaches the saxophone.
There is no discrimination.
No one will be held back by questions of money ”.