LEWISTON – For the eighth consecutive year, the Maine Music Society presented a pair of morning shows for local elementary and middle school students.

This year’s attendance at the performances of Haydn’s “London Symphony” by the Maine Chamber Ensemble, under the direction of Peter Frewen, was bigger than ever, with more than 700 students listening and watching along with their teachers and chaperones.

Following the Sept. 23 morning concerts at the Franco-American Center, Stephanie, a sixth-grader at Minot Elementary School, wrote in her note to the Maine Music Society, “I really liked how when I closed my eyes, I could see what you were playing. Thanks for letting us see this for free.”

Her music teacher, Kay Townsend, had made full use of the materials that the society sent beforehand to all the schools attending. Using the compact disc of the music to be performed, she taught the students to listen for the themes and by darkening the classroom, she had them conduct the symphony using a glow-in-the-dark light stick.

Another classroom painted to the music. In addition to the CD, a performance guide, “Playing with Music,” explaining who Franz Joseph Haydn was, what classical music is and how an orchestra is made up, helped the students learn about the music and the conventions of attending a concert.

A high point for many students that morning was the introduction of Dan Rand, a Lewiston High School senior who plays the cello in the orchestra. Introduced by Frewen, he spoke about what it is like to play an instrument and how he has made many friends in pursuing his art. The cellist illustrated that a high school person can begin a professional career while still in school.

Several Maine Music Society board members attended the concerts. Board President Ted Walworth said, “The educational program of the MMS is a valuable community resource; it exposes young students to fine music and gives them the experience of attending and appreciating a classical performance, and enhances the reputation of the Lewiston-Auburn area for its commitment to music and the arts. This performance, however, would not be possible without the community support of our sponsors, Irving Oil, Rent It and Bangor Savings Bank.”

Schools that took part were Auburn’s Fairview and Walton Elementary and Middle School and St. Peter/Sacred Heart; Lewiston’s McMahon, Longley and Martel Elementary, Vineyard Christian, and Middle School; Lisbon’s Sugg Middle School; Minot Consolidated School; and Wales Central School.

For more information about the educational programs that the Maine Music Society offers, contact the office at 215 Lisbon St. or call 782-1403.