Thanks for posting this article, Devan. I don’t know too much about Chicago and its campaign and mayoral history since I just moved here, but what I found most captivating was Ronne Hartfield’s quote:
"Orchestras go out into communities to play Beethoven without any attempt to connect it to the lives of the people." Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, for example, is "all about celebrating nature, all about celebrating the country," she said, adding, "Get [young people] to talk about their experiences with the country, so they could hear something they know in the music."
I love this quote and strongly agree with Hartfield's message. The bigger picture is addressed, rather than merely issues related to orchestras or even music in general. This concept should be applied in every classroom. She goes on to explain that, “The arts are therapeutic and engaging.” Again, this sense of connection and therapy can be linked to many aspects of life, especially if youth are given a voice. This offers an opportunity to relate what they hear, see, feel, and do to something they actually know.
"Orchestras go out into communities to play Beethoven without any attempt to connect it to the lives of the people." Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, for example, is "all about celebrating nature, all about celebrating the country," she said, adding, "Get [young people] to talk about their experiences with the country, so they could hear something they know in the music."
I love this quote and strongly agree with Hartfield's message. The bigger picture is addressed, rather than merely issues related to orchestras or even music in general. This concept should be applied in every classroom. She goes on to explain that, “The arts are therapeutic and engaging.” Again, this sense of connection and therapy can be linked to many aspects of life, especially if youth are given a voice. This offers an opportunity to relate what they hear, see, feel, and do to something they actually know.
2 comments:
i absolutely agree, alana. when groups and organizations go out to the community to bring the 'arts' to schools, too often it's a one way deal that leaves no lasting impact. but when you connect it to kid's lives. when you make it relevant and rather than just put on a performance you get them to make music or art that reflects their experience, you're finally really getting somewhere.
I really enjoy listening to familiar songs from an orchestra, especially to tunes I grew up with. Some possible good pieces to play for kids may include Star Wars, 1812 (real canons a plus), and Indiana Jones.
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