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Requires Quicktime
Through its educational and outreach programs, the Chicago Sinfonietta provides thousands of children and adults with the opportunity to learn about and experience classical music. For many, these programs provide their only exposure to the rich cultural traditions embodied by the music.
Our newest educational program, Classical Discovery, will debut in the 06/07 school year. Classical Discovery is offered at no cost to participating schools. It is an after school program that invites 3rd - 8th grade students to attend a rehearsal of the Chicago Sinfonietta prior to one of our Orchestra Hall concerts. Students will be introduced to live symphonic music and are provided an overview of how an orchestra works, what each section does, the role of the conductor, and other basic elements of orchestral classical music.
Participating schools receive complimentary admissions for up to 200 students, preparatory materials that cover basic information about classical music, and a Q & A session at the conclusion of the rehearsal with a Sinfonietta musician. Students observe how a professional orchestra prepares for a concert and gain an introduction to symphonic music. Schools only need to provide transportation and adequate adult supervision.
Chicago Public School students
Audience Matters is the Sinfonietta’s core program, targeting middle school age children. This four-stage initiative provides Chicago Public School students with a long-term learning experience, increasing the students’ depth of understanding and degree of retention. The key elements of this program are: school visits by orchestra members to present core educational information, performances by Sinfonietta ensembles, student assessment, and field trips to Sinfonietta performances at Orchestra Hall.
Through experiential exercises, students learn about the roles of the various sections of the orchestra; the history of classical music and how it relates to art of the same period; how volume and tempo effect the mood of the music; the process involved in composing, conducting, and performing; and other aspects of the musical process. Students are then able to apply the critical thinking and listening skills they've learned during performances by Sinfonietta ensembles at their school as well as at field trips to see the orchestra at Symphony Center. In addition, they take part in pre-concert lectures where they are able to interact with Sinfonietta guest artists.
This season-long program results in students who are not otherwise exposed to musical education developing an appreciation for and understanding of classical music.
Trumpeter Edgar Campos performs for CPS students
Student Ensembles with Excellence and Diversity (SEED) provides mentoring for young musicians. The SEED Program identifies talented high school musicians and offers them a series of workshops and master classes taught by Chicago Sinfonietta teacher-musicians in small ensemble settings. The program concludes with a concert performed by the ensembles. The goal of this program is to both inspire and mentor these young artists, and encourage their professional growth for the future.
Learn about the April 2006 SEED concert at Lane Tech High School…
Through Musical Excursions, the Sinfonietta provides live music performances to area non-ambulatory seniors. In addition to playing, the musicians present an introduction to the pieces chosen and residents are given an opportunity to ask questions. This special interactive community outreach program brings small ensembles to over 100 residential centers in Chicago, enriching the lives of older adults through classical music, jazz, and spirituals.
