Grand Union Orchestra

Whittlesey was once an island, and for centuries the local people made their living mostly from the land and sea, much like people anywhere else in the world. Whittlesey has its own customs, traditions, and mythical creatures like the Straw Bear. This spring Whittelsey welcomes Grand Union Orchestra musicians, who will work closely with young musicians from Coates Primary School, Park Lane Primary School, and Sir Harry Smith Community College to explore music stories of land, sea, and myths from around the world.

You will meet mythical figures like Jemanja, the spirit of rivers and seas in the folklore of West Africa and Brazil; sing songs from Bangladesh about the risky lives of fishermen she aims to protect; learn work-songs from the forests of Ghana and fields of the Caribbean; beat out drum rhythms to summon up fertility and a bountiful harvest.