MAINTAINING MUSICAL CONNECTIONS WITH CHILDREN Accessible and adaptable were the twin watchwords for our education programs during the 2020-2021 year. Like other arts organizations, we had to adapt to the pandemic and rethink how to serve our students— many of whom spent the year weathering a constantly changing situation both at home and school. Unlike many others, we found ways to continue providing it. Music Education is at the core of the West Michigan Symphony mission—and we knew that, more than ever, young people needed access to the creative and emotional outlet it offers. Given the closure of schools for much of the school year, the cessation of field trips entirely, and the suspension of nearly all recorder and other beginner instrument programs, an in-person Link Up concert proved impossible during 2021. Accordingly, we placed our 16-year partnership with Carnegie Hall on temporary hold, replacing it with a self-curated program titled WMS MOVES. With curriculum by Director of Education Karen Vander Zanden, this virtual offering introduced students to the symphony orchestra and reinforced how an orchestra can “move”! Lesson plans provided teachers with classroom activities that coincided with the concert repertoire. Students were able to interact physically with the music while they learned about it. Like Link Up, the program culminated with a performance by the orchestra—but as an online Virtual Concert. This was available for viewing at a time of the school’s choosing during the month of May.
VIRTUAL MUSIC MENTOR
DEBUT STRINGS
The Music Mentor program, which connects Link Up students with professional musicians, happened through similar virtual means. Mentors, students and teachers gathered together via livestream technology to connect, interact and play music together. The virtual format had its own unique perks: students were able to “visit” musicians at their home studio, meet their pets and family, and experience their life in ways that would likely not have occurred in a classroom visit. (continued)
9
