The goal of this long-term, multi-year initiative is to bolster student interest in music in Massachusetts schools from elementary school through high school, and beyond - by supplementing existing school music programs with instruments for students, interactive music education sessions from seasoned musicians, as well as scholarships for talented & deserving students.

In collaboration with Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Lexington Symphony, the New Philharmonia Orchestra and select corporate sponsors, 99.5 WCRB brings music to the young minds of Massachusetts.

Each segment of the school system will have its own program designed to be interesting and appropriate for each age group.  These programs will start in late 2007 by implementing an elementary school component first.  Over the course of the school year, 99.5 WCRB’s Music Matters will visit 1 – 2 schools per month.  Then, as the program grows from year-to-year, middle school and high school components may be added. All elementary schools across the state are eligible to receive the program; however, availability will be limited.  Schools will be chosen based on requirements set forth by the program, as well as, geographical distribution and logistical consideration.


Target Audience: public elementary school students, grades 2 – 5
Students per session: 20 – 30 students per session
Length of session: 45 – 60 minutes
Sessions per day: 2 – 4, with breaks between for organization representatives
Number of Lexington Symphony or New Philharmonia reps: minimum 2, maximum 5 – 6 depending on school, number of classes, etc. 
Instruments for student use on day of presentation:  Some combination of appropriate violins, cellos, flute, clarinet, trumpet, and drums in accordance with program design.
 

Live musical introduction followed by player discussion on how we all can enjoy and experience music – Music Matters!

Introduction of the New Philharmonia and discussion of what a symphony orchestra is with brief CD excerpt of a full orchestra.

Discussion of the four families of musical instruments in a symphony with brief individual demonstrations of the instruments of the day.

Short piece for today’s instrumental group.

Divide class and let them try an instrument – number of opportunities per child to be determined by what is available from the Lexington Symphony or New Philharmonia players on that day. Based on feasability and time constraints.

New Philharmonia Orchestra players play a final short piece, possibly with audience participation - clapping or singing.

Give each student a handout about instruments, orchestras and the joy of music.

We would like to tailor our programs to whatever is most helpful to a given school, in full cooperation with the availability of Lexington Symphony or New Philharmonia personnel and hence hope to have a dialogue with the school personnel well in advance of our WCRB Music Matters visit.

*Program visits are subject to availability and, based upon the size of your school and the nature and scope of your current music program; multiple sessions on the day of your visit may be needed.
**Actual content, itinerary and/or agenda of each session is subject to change. No cameras or recording devices permitted.