Last week, the Middle South Orchestras performed a concert at the school’s Open House.  The piece, Dancing in the Air, was arranged specifically for the Middle South orchestra by the composer Edgar Gabriel (an Elmhurst College violin professor). The students had the unique experience of collaborating with a living composer as he arranged the piece. Through the process, he visited Middle School South to explain how he creates new compositional ideas and works with the students on their “groove.” Dancing in the Air featured eighth graders Sophia K. and Evan S. on electric instrument solos and Jean L. on drums.