Mattapoisett students learned all about Creative Contrast on Wednesday morning when members of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra visited Old Hammondtown School and Center School.

The visit was part of the symphony's education program and was sponsored by the Mattapoisett PTA. Last year the focus was on symmetry. This year, Education Director Terry Wolkowicz brought three musicians with her to teach kids about contrast.

"We're going to add power and emphasis to your writing. We're going to add power and emphasis to your photography, and we're going to add power and emphasis to your music," Wolkowicz told the kids.

She used examples from all three mediums to explain the aspects of contrast, such as motion and light and tone.

"Contrast helps us notice things," said Wolkowicz.

Violinist Emmy Holmes-Hicks, cellist Peter Zay and oboist Laurel Shamu provided musical examples of contrast, with pieces that vacillated between minor and major keys, quick and slow tempos and separate and unified parts.

Now that kids have a better understanding of contrast, they will spend the next few months identifying contrast in their school work and creating music, stories and poems and photography that highlights contrast.

Their work, along with that of other students in the area, will be featured in the Young People's Concert in March.

"They share in the whole culminating experience," Wolkowicz said.

Watch the video below to see just how long Laurel Shamu can play the oboe without taking a breath!