MERRILLVILLE | Megan Cunningham sat enthralled during the concert.

"I liked it very much," said the third-grader at Joan Martin Elementary School in Hobart.

"I think I would like to play the flute," Megan said after watching the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra perform.

Megan was one of hundreds of elementary and middle school students in Northwest Indiana who were introduced to Music American Style during concerts Wednesday and Thursday at the Star Plaza Theatre.

Prior to the concerts, students were instructed to create drawings or paintings inspired by musical selections. This year's theme was "The Cowboys Overture" by John Williams. A compact disc with the music, narration and art ideas were sent to teachers, and students submitted their artwork.

Slides of the artwork were shown during the concert as the orchestra played the overture.

Kirk Muspratt, conductor of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, interspersed lessons on composers as he directed the orchestra.

With photos of popular Broadway composer George Gershwin flashing across the screen, the orchestra played "Rhapsody in Blue."

Muspratt also pointed out pictures of Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne while talking about African-American music.