Daviess County Public Schools students in grades 3-8 will participate in the “Compose Yourself!” program sponsored by the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra as part of the RiverPark Center’s “Arts Teach Kids” series. Sessions begin at 9 and 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, at the RiverPark Center. According to program creator James Stephenson, “‘Compose Yourself!’ is an interactive, educational and entertaining show designed to introduce children of all ages to the instruments of the symphony orchestra.” Students from seven DCPS schools will learn about the role of the composer in creating music (schedule listed below). Gregory Olson, OSO director of education, said students will learn about the elements of music and will be introduced to the four families of instruments that make up an orchestra – strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion – and how they work together to create music that evokes various moods for the listener. “Compose Yourself!” starts with an energetic overture, conducted by Maestro Nick Palmer, that subliminally introduces all sections and instruments of the orchestra, as well as themes that are developed throughout the work, followed by a step-by-step, humorous and educational introduction to all the families and instruments of the orchestra. Palmer is the music director and conductor for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. As a special highlight, students will be involved in creating a sort piece of music for the second half of “Compose Yourself!” as they make choices in musical elements such as melody, harmony and rhythm, followed by a “world premiere” performance of their composition! DCPS Superintendent Owens Saylor will serve as narrator for the event. Saylor, a member of the OSO board of directors, has a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music performance and is a former high school band director.