Description of Partnerships |
Children's Concert Society has collaborated with the schools of Summit County since its first concert presentations over 60 years ago. Research shows that integration of the arts into CORE curricula results in (1) improved attendance rates (2) higher levels of self-esteem (3) development of inter- and intra-personal intelligence (4) higher scores on standardized tests (5) greater parental involvement in students' education (6) increased acceptance of diversity (7) ways of thinking that will serve well in the 21st century workforce--creativity, cooperation, invention, ability to see inter-relatedness of processes (8) development of emotional intelligence.
However, whether or not the arts have been part of the core curriculum throughout this time period, it has been Children's Concert Society's mission to foster music appreciation in the children of this community and to enrich the music education that they receive by presenting live performances of fine music. No matter how fine the recording or how famous the orchestra, instrumentalist or vocalist may be, there is nothing which can compare to being under the same roof as musicians who are performing for you in the here and now!
The concerts which Children's Concert Society presents each year at E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall or The New Civic Theatre conform to the state curriculum guidelines for the grade levels involved. CCS prepares Teacher Manuals which are designed to assist the teacher in preparing his/her class for the concert hall experience and for the particular program that has been designed for them. Long-range planning involves determining which grade levels will best be able to benefit from the performance offerings at Thomas Hall. The programs to be offered each season are selected by a core committee of representatives from CCS, the music coordinator for the Akron Public Schools, and representatives from the performing organization. Evaluation forms are handed out to adults in attendance and results are discussed by the core committee and taken into consideration as the next series of performances are planned.
In addition to the concert hall experience, children are also exposed to smaller ensembles on an informal level at free In-School concerts. These performances enable the children to experience the music in a less structured environment--to ask questions, to learn the history of the instruments, and even to touch the instruments! CCS has a close relationship with the School of Music at the University of Akron for these In-School concerts. Along with several professional musicians, many graduate student ensembles perform. Not only are the children inspired by the graduate students, but the graduate students themselves benefit from the exposure to young audiences. This experience demonstrates to them the importance of enriching the children's musical education and may influence them throughout their careers as teachers and/or performing artists.
Children's Concert Society believes it is very important to expose young people to the performing arts early in their lives when they are most open to new experiences. The students CCS reaches are the future cultural audiences and artists of our community. However, formal and informal exposure to live music is not enough. It is also important for the children to learn that they, too, can actually create music. Dedicated teachers have inspired many students to enter the Scholastic Composers Contest. All children receive a ribbon indicating their status as "composer", together with encouraging comments from the judges. First-place winners perform their works at a Premiere Performance in April each year.
The Concert Hall Series programs, the In-School Concert Series, and the Scholastic Composers Contest are open to ALL the schools in Summit County and surrounding areas: public, private, parochial and home schools. Children’s Concert Society programming has always been favorably supported by local foundations, businesses, PTA’s, individuals and community groups, as well as by individual volunteers. |
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2009-2010
Concert Hall Series
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FALL
The Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio
(www.freedombrassband.com)
October 14 & 15, 2009
9:45 am & 12:30 pm (both days)
at the New Civic Theatre
for grades four through six
Cost: $5 per student
SPRING
The Akron Lyric Opers
performing
"Little Red Riding Hood"
April 14 & 15, 2010
9:45 am & 12:30 pm (both days)
at the New Civic Theatre
for grades one through three
Cost: $5 per student
SEE RESERVATION INFORMATION BELOW.
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More Information
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