DEERFIELD VALLEY- The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s “Harp and Soul” harp and flute duo will present two performances at area schools on March 16. The schedule is Deerfield Elementary School in Wilmington, at 10 am, and Marlboro Elementary School, at 12:30 pm.

Support for the day has been provided by People’s United Bank. The VSO’s traveling ensembles visit all corners of the state as part of an outreach program known as “Musicians-in-the-Schools.” These lively performances are met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as the musical ambassadors spread the word that classical music can be fun.

Flutist Anne Janson and harpist Heidi Soons make up the dynamic duo “Harp & Soul.” In their fresh and engaging program, they explain how the harp and flute work and sound, including some of their special effects (glissandos, etc.). Several different kinds of each instrument will be demonstrated, and audience participation encouraged. The musicians perform some familiar music and talk about how their instruments are used in orchestral music. A no-holds-barred question and answer period concludes the program.

These performances are part of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s statewide SymphonyKids education program, which reached over 30,000 schoolchildren last year with 248 presentations for 199 schools in 168 different communities. For more information on “Harp and Soul” or the VSO’s SymphonyKids programs in general call Eleanor Long at (800) VSO-9293, ext. 14.