Freenotes Harmony Park At
Parker Arts and Cultural Events Center

The Town of Parker, Colorado is committed to its public art program demonstrated by the opening of the Parker Arts, Culture & Events on October 22, 2011. On the East Patio of the PACE Center grounds is an interactive musical exhibit by Freenotes Harmony Park, the first of many installations that the “Art in Public Places Committee" has approved.

Richard Cooke Grammy award-
winning musician and Freenotes founder collaborated with local high school students on an outdoor concert for the event. He first led a class in musical improvisation. From this class, several students performed with Richard at the PACE Center Open House. They did an amazing job, and of course, created beautiful music.

We don't always have the opportunity to see, firsthand, the public's reaction to our instruments. We're so passionate about what we do, and we hope that sincerity transfers through the instruments. It was humbling to see the genuine excitement and joy as people – young and not so young – enjoyed the instruments and created their own rhythms.

Here's what Jeannene Bragg, the PACE Center's Cultural Director had to say about Freenotes: “One of the best things about these instruments is that they provide all ages and abilities an opportunity to interact through spontaneous creative expression. All instruments are wheelchair accessible, and they can even be a tool for music therapy to improve cognitive ability, communication and motor skills."

The Freenotes musical installation for the PACE Center consists of eight instruments, all based on traditional instruments from Indonesia and Africa. So in addition to outdoor concerts and classes, students learn about world cultures and music education. For musicians and non-musicians alike, the collection is a permanent, interactive art exhibit to celebrate music and the arts.

If you're ever in Parker, I encourage you to stop by the PACE Center. It is home to a 500-seat theater, 250-seat amphitheater, art gallery, event room, dance studio, culinary kitchen and several classrooms. PACE will provide a wide variety of local, regional and national cultural, arts, scientific and educational programming to the region, and serve as a rental venue for community, business and social events.

While you're there, make some time to explore your own creativity over on the East Patio with the Freenotes Harmony Park!

For more information about the PACE Center, visit www.PACEcenteronline.org.