Last Year's Highlights

From Page to Stage: Presenting Beloved Children's Books Live on Stage

The 2009-2010 Sandler Center Education Series presented two of the most beloved children’s books of all time: Tomie DePaola’s Strega Nona and Harold and the Purple Crayon. Both books, having been transformed into live stage adaptations, were presented as a part of the Sandler’s Student Matinee Series. Students from all over the Hampton Road’s area (even as far away as Chesterfield, VA!) joined together to watch as the Enchantment Theater Company brought the Harold and the Purple Crayon series to life, in the Sandler Center’s first student matinee of the season! To close out our student matinee performances, Tomie DePaola’s beloved classic, Strega Nona, was transformed into a live action musical. Complete with its own exploding pasta pot, Strega Nona the Musical brought the classic story to life and enthralled the Sandler Center’s sold out crowd.

Students Get Up Close and Personal with Branford Marsalis

Just hours before his public performance at the Sandler Center, jazz great, Branford Marsalis, took time to meet with students of the Virginia Beach Public School’s music program. From the very beginning, Marsalis made the students feel at ease with his calm demeanor and frankness. One by one students posed questions to Marsalis ranging from “How do you warm up before a show?” to “Who is your favorite musician of all time?”. Marsalis urged students to veer away from perfection, and instead make sure the emotional connection with the audience becomes their priority, which is something all young musicians are happy to hear!

 Download 2008-2009 Highlights