Northside students help solve 'Case of the Missing Melody'

DECATUR -- A beautiful melody filled the air in the cafeteria of Decatur Northside Elementary School March 1. A string and percussion trio played one of the most recognized pieces in the world while elementary students filed into the room to hear a presentation of "The Case of the Missing Melody" by members of SoNA (Symphony of Northwest Arkansas).

The melody, Maurice Ravel's "Bolero," a work that gained popularity in the 1980's pop culture film "10," is also one of the most performed pieces in the music world.

As Paul Roberts on violin, Fernando Valencia on percussion, and Jarrett Bastow on double bass played on, a dark and mysterious figure dressed in a dark-purple hooded cape appeared from behind a screen. In her hands was a silver case. She opened the case and silently walked behind the trio. With a snap, the villain closed the case, causing the music to abruptly end. The three musicians looked at each other confused as to why the music stopped. Thus, the case of the missing melody begins.

The program sponsored by the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, was designed to motive children to become interested in music. By teaching kids the three basic components of a song, the melody, rhythm and bass line, Kristin Wages, music teacher, hoped to direct young students to actively participate in the many music programs offered by the Decatur School District.

In the end, after an exhaustive search by the investigator (played by Jessica Traufler) and her assistant (played by Elise Hallot), with the help of an average Joe (Traufler), the villain (Hallot) was convinced to give the music back to the trio. They played the remaining parts of the song. Afterward, the three musicians each explained their instruments and allowed a few students to pluck a string or two.

For more information about the Decatur music programs, go to decatursd.com.