Nearly 700 students from local elementary schools filled the seats of Western Carolina University’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center on March 15 for a performance aimed at educating and entertaining children.

The show consisted of a reading of Jean de Brunhoff’s “Story of Babar” by WCU junior musical theater major Jonathan Cobrda, with music by Francis Poulenc and projected illustrations accompanying the reading.

Included in the performance was a demonstration and lesson in the woodwind instrument family. Members of the quintet explained and introduced their individual instruments as the children listened intently.

Brad Martin, associate professor of music, said that he would like to do another performance in the Asheville area, though nothing has been planned.

“All in all, it was a great field trip,” said April Ferguson, a second-grade teacher at Cullowhee Valley School, who added that she would take her class to future events like this performance.

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