3 minute read
Education Report
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)
We relaunched Debut Strings in the fall of 2020 with outdoor rehearsals at the Muskegon Farmers Market. September and October’s mild weather was ideal for this, and the Farmers Market—with its open air, semisheltered structure—provided the perfect setting. Since the students were not preparing for a concert, this was a unique time to deepen their musical and ensemble skills and simply take pleasure in the act of collective music making after a long absence. Also during fall, the WMS Children’s Choir rehearsed on line every week to prepare for their appearance during the virtual Home for the Holidays concert. It was an emotional moment in late November as they gathered, masked and distanced but in person, on the Frauenthal stage to record their portion of the concert (later mated to the orchestra track in the studio).
The confidence and trust of our donors kept us looking for solutions. As a result, area students had access to music when it was unavailable elsewhere.
Both Debut Strings and the Children’s Choir resumed on-site rehearsals at The Block in March 2021. In June, before an enthusiastic live audience, they performed their first joint concert—which also marked the first live WMS event at the Frauenthal Center in 16 months. Under WMS safety guidelines, they continue to rehearse weekly and maintain their regular performance schedule.
As we reflect on this unusual and challenging season, we are grateful for the unwavering faith of the many donors who continued to support us. The confidence and trust you placed in us kept us looking for solutions against seemingly insurmountable odds. As a result, West Michigan area students had access to music during a time when it was unavailable elsewhere. Whether participating virtually or in person, their exuberance and joy underscored the long-standing conviction that music matters. Irrespective of how it happens— whether on Zoom, Google or in person—music enriches the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation, and performance. Thanks to your support, we will continue to bring it to new generations. ••
WMS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
