Beginning last week the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Music Van will be on the road to provide musical instrument demonstrations for second and third graders at 14 elementary schools in Anne Arundel County. The Music Van is an essential part of the ASO’s Education and Outreach program that starts with Education Concerts for second graders and continues with Adopt-A-School for upper elementary, middle and high school music students.
Music study enhances teamwork and discipline, while teaching skills that are necessary in the workplace. Recent studies show that students who study music are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT, achieve higher grades in high school and are more likely to go to college. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning while providing a means of self-expression. Recognizing the significant benefits of musical instruction, the Bank of America Foundation provided funding for the ASO’s Music Van in 2015.
The ASO’s Music Van program is specifically designed to stimulate interest and participation in music study. Teams of four professional musicians from the orchestra will offer a hands-on experience with string, woodwind and brass instruments. They will also encourage the young students to take music lessons on the instrument of their choice when the school term begins in the fall of 2015. Instruction on string instruments is available in the third grade and students can learn to play woodwind and brass instruments beginning in fourth grade.
ASO musicians participating in the Music Van program this year include violinists Nikita Borisevich, Karin Kelleher, Nicholas Montopoli, Abby Oliver and Rachael Stockton; cellists Yoni Draiblate, Alison Bazala Kim and Dan Shomper; flutist Kimberly Valerio; and Tony Valerio French horn. ASO Orchestra Manager Marshall Mentz coordinates the Music Van program, involving a cadre volunteers in the school visits.
ASO Music Van 2015 school visit schedule:
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Thursday May 21 Aleph Bet Jewish Day School
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| Friday May 22 Sunset Elementary |
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| Wednesday May 27 Tracey’s Elementary |
Monday June 1 Benfield Elementary
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Monday May 18 Annapolis Area Christian School | Tuesday June 2 Crofton Meadows Elementary
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Tuesday May 19 St. Martin’s Lutheran | Wednesday June 3 St. Mary’s Elementary
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Thursday May 21 Brooklyn Park Elementary
| Thursday June 4 Deale Elementary |
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