The Danbury Preparatory String Orchestra (DPSO) and Reed Intermediate School's Chamber Orchestra played in a concert for local fourth graders and their parents at Reed on Thursday, March 2.

According to Reed music teacher Mardi Smith, all fourth grade students and parents in the district were invited to the evening event to help the students choose an instrument to play when in fifth grade next school year.

The "String Night" was held in Reed's cafetorium. Newtown's Director of Visual and Performing Arts Michelle Hiscavich welcomed all in attendance to the event.

"We're celebrating music tonight," said Ms Hiscavich. "We're celebrating making music together, and that is the most wonderful thing of all."

The Newtown Orchestra Parents group oversaw tables set up in the cafetorium to offer musical-themed gifts available for purchase. Refreshments and door prizes were also offered at the event, according to Ms Smith.

Ms Hiscavich thanked the DPSO for participating in the concert and she thanked the parents for supporting music and the arts in the district.

DPSO Director and Conductor Glen Lebetkin told the audience his group includes both students and adults from local towns, including Newtown.

The event began with both the DPSO and Reed Chamber Orchestra playing the national anthem together. Later the groups performed separately, and Mr Lebetkin offered information about playing instruments in an orchestra.

Handouts from the American String Teachers Association were also distributed at the event to share information about playing string instruments.