Loretta Thompson visits LJ Primary School

Loretta Thompson, a guest musician for Celtic Magic, playing Monday and Tuesday in La Junta and Rocky Ford, spent Tuesday visiting classes at the Primary School in La Junta. She also visited Washington School in Rocky Ford. Besides teaching the students about stringed instruments, she and regular music teacher Mary Belew involved the kids with movement to the songs. At Washington School, where the classes are smaller, she had the kindergarten classes dancing.

Her lessons had so much information this reporter wished she had brought a notebook along. Small wonder, when we see all the programs in which this master teacher has participated (thanks to her friend Judy Hensley for this list):

--teaches K-8 music at Christ the King Catholic School in Denver

--directs a musical at Christ the King each spring (this year it is Walt Disney's "Cinderella")

--started an after-school string program at Christ the King (it's now in its third year)

--conducts an adult chamber orchestra (the Willow Creek Chamber Orchestra)

--Entertainment Director for the annual Colorado Scottish Festival (in Snowmass each August)

--teaches and performs in Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp every July

--does solo performances in Celtic events and festivals (Scottish and Irish)

--plays a variety of musical genres, including Celtic, rock, old-time cowboy and classical.

In the past, she directed the Colorado Chinese Language School Orchestra and the Summit Music School Celtic Music Group. She was a member of the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra, the Metro State Symphony Orchestra and the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. She has played with some great musicians throughout Scotland and Ireland.