Community Concert Hall and Music in the Mountains Goes to School Program present STRUT YOUR STUFF, A MUSICAL SHOWCASE

DURANGO, CO., March 8, 2010 – Two of Durango’s premier music presenters team up to offer a showcase of regional youth talent with Strut Your Stuff, A Musical Showcase on Saturday, March 27, 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall @ Fort Lewis College. “Strut Your Stuff” was launched originally in 2008 in a smaller venue by Music in the Mountains, to help keep music alive with youth from the Four Corners. Taking it to the Community Concert Hall is a “next step,” introducing students to performance possibilities in a professional venue such as the Community Concert Hall. “Strut Your Stuff” features vocalists and instrumentalists, ages 8 to 18, selected by audition earlier this year.

The group Stillwater, comprised of both teens and adults who perform original arrangements and songs from a wide variety of genres, including jazz, blues and rock, will be on hand as the official “Strut Your Stuff” House Band.

New to “Strut Your Stuff” is a corresponding art exhibit, featuring aspiring fine artists. Students works will be displayed, all of which answer the question, “What does music mean to me?” at the Community Concert Hall the night of the show. Durango High School student Tessa Wickstrom’s work was singled out the winner of the artwork competition, and it will be featured in all of the event’s promotional pieces.

For Tessa, music…”It means the world!  The mountains symbolize not only where we live but also the organization of Music in the Mountains.  Music has the power to unite us all, and that is why it is so important to me.”

This collaboration between the Community Concert Hall and Music in the Mountains celebrate National Music in Our Schools month. Music education provides a place where kids discover their own creative voice. It’s where they learn about cooperation and how it feels to make real harmony.  The Music in the Mountains Goes to School Program began in 1999 to enhance the unusually fine music program at Durango School District 9-R. More than 5,000 elementary,
secondary and high school students from Durango as well as nearby Colorado communities including Bayfield, Pagosa Springs, Ignacio, Cortez, Delores, Silverton and Mancos take part in a range of music programs.

Tickets for the Strut Your Stuff, A Musical Showcase are $10 and $8.50 for groups of three or more.  Tickets are available at the Community Concert Hall Box Office on 7th & Main Avenue, the Festival Office at 1063 Main Avenue, www.durangoconcerts.com and www.musicinthemountains.com or by phone at 970-385-6820.

Music in the Mountains is a fully integrated festival of orchestra, chamber music and concurrent Conservatory programs along with a year-round schools program, Music in the Mountains Goes to School.  Southwest Colorado’s three-week Festival of classical music, featuring world-renowned musicians, is preparing its 24rd season with a series of concerts July 10 through August 1, 2010.  For more information, visit www.musicinthemountains.com.